sheer crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "sheer crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you solve your puzzle.
Solutions for "sheer crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
THIN: Often describes fabric that is light and almost transparent.
PURE: Used to describe something complete or unmixed, like 'sheer joy'.
5 Letters
STEEP: Referring to a very sharp or almost vertical incline, as in a 'sheer cliff'.
UTTER: Meaning absolute or complete, as in 'sheer nonsense'.
GAUZE: A very thin, translucent fabric often used in bandages or clothing.
8 Letters
ABSOLUTE: Signifies something complete, total, or unadulterated.
11 Letters
TRANSPARENT: Clearly visible through, allowing light to pass through without distortion.
More About "sheer crossword clue"
"Sheer" is a fascinating word in the English language, primarily because of its multiple distinct meanings. In crosswords, this versatility makes it a favorite for constructors looking to add a layer of challenge. Depending on the context, "sheer" can refer to something extremely thin or delicate, like a "sheer curtain," implying translucence or a lack of density. This is where answers like THIN, GAUZE, or TRANSPARENT come into play.
Another common usage points to an absolute or complete quality, as in "sheer joy" or "sheer nonsense." In these cases, the word emphasizes the intensity or totality of a feeling or state, leading to solutions such as PURE, UTTER, or ABSOLUTE. Finally, "sheer" can describe a near-vertical drop or climb, often seen in phrases like a "sheer cliff face," for which STEEP is a fitting answer.
Understanding these different facets of "sheer" is crucial for solving puzzles. Always consider the surrounding words in the clue and any letters you've already filled in to narrow down which meaning the constructor intended. This contextual analysis is a hallmark of advanced crossword solving.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Class: Determine if "sheer" is used as an adjective (describing a noun), a verb (to swerve), or a noun (a sheer fabric). This can significantly limit possible answers.
- Look for Context Clues: Does the clue mention fabric, emotion, or topography? "Sheer fabric" points to transparency, "sheer luck" to absoluteness, and "sheer drop" to steepness.
- Consider Letter Counts: If you have an answer grid, knowing the exact number of letters helps eliminate many possibilities from the start. "Sheer" could be 4, 5, 8, or 11 letters, each pointing to different synonyms.
- Think of Homophones/Homographs: While "sheer" isn't a common homophone trick, some clues use words that sound similar but have different spellings/meanings. Always be wary of misdirection.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "sheer" typically mean in crossword clues?
"Sheer" is a versatile word in crosswords, often cluing answers related to transparency (like sheer fabric), steepness (a sheer cliff), or completeness/absolute nature (sheer joy, sheer nonsense). The context of the surrounding letters and other clues is key to determining the intended meaning.
Can "sheer" have multiple meanings in a single crossword puzzle?
Yes, absolutely! "Sheer" is a classic example of a word with multiple definitions that constructors love to exploit. You might find it used for 'thin' in one clue and 'absolute' in another within the same puzzle, requiring careful consideration of the specific clue wording.
What other words are similar to "sheer" in crossword contexts?
Depending on the intended meaning, synonyms can include PURE, UTTER, THIN, STEEP, TRANSPARENT, GAUZY, FILMY, or even words like COMPLETE and ABSOLUTE. Always consider the nuance of the clue to select the best fit.