English dictionary



Info: This web site is based on WordNet 3.0 from Princeton University.

English adjective: sheer

1. sheer complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers


SamplesAbsolute freedom.
An absolute dimwit.
A downright lie.
Out-and-out mayhem.
An out-and-out lie.
A rank outsider.
Many right-down vices.
Got the job through sheer persistence.
Sheer stupidity.


Synonymsabsolute, downright, out-and-out, rank, right-down


Similarcomplete


Antonymsincomplete, uncomplete

2. sheer not mixed with extraneous elements


SamplesPlain water.
Sheer wine.
Not an unmixed blessing.


Synonymsplain, unmingled, unmixed


Similarpure


Antonymsimpure

3. sheer very steep; having a prominent and almost vertical front


SamplesA bluff headland.
Where the bold chalk cliffs of England rise.
A sheer descent of rock.


Synonymsbluff, bold


Similarsteep


Antonymsgradual

4. sheer so thin as to transmit light


SamplesA hat with a diaphanous veil.
Filmy wings of a moth.
Gauzy clouds of dandelion down.
Gossamer cobwebs.
Sheer silk stockings.
Transparent chiffon.
Vaporous silks.


Synonymscobwebby, diaphanous, filmy, gauze-like, gauzy, gossamer, see-through, transparent, vaporous, vapourous


Similarthin


Antonymsthick


English adverb: sheer

1. sheer straight up or down without a break


Synonymsperpendicularly

2. sheer directly


SamplesHe fell sheer into the water.


English verb: sheer

1. sheer (motion) turn sharply; change direction abruptly


SamplesThe car cut to the left at the intersection.
The motorbike veered to the right.


Synonymscurve, cut, slew, slue, swerve, trend, veer


Pattern of useSomething ----s.
Something is ----ing PP


Broader (hypernym)turn


Narrower (hyponym)peel off, yaw

2. sheer (motion) cause to sheer


SamplesShe sheered her car around the obstacle.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)channelise, channelize, direct, guide, head, maneuver, manoeuver, manoeuvre, point, steer









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