What is a synonym for 'sheer' when describing a fabric?

When describing fabric, the term 'sheer' specifically refers to materials that are lightweight and transparent, allowing light to pass through. The word 'transparent' effectively captures this quality, making it the most appropriate synonym in the context of fabric. Sheer fabrics are often used in clothing and curtains to create a delicate, airy look while still providing a certain level of coverage. This characteristic of being see-through is what distinguishes sheer fabrics from denser options.

In contrast, 'dense,' 'palpable,' and 'heavy' all convey qualities related to thickness or substantial weight, which are not compatible with the notion of sheer fabrics. Dense materials would imply a fabric that is tightly woven and less transparent, while palpable refers to something that can be felt or sensed physically, which does not relate to the transparency aspect of sheer fabrics. Heavy, similar to dense, suggests a fabric that is weighted or thick, further distancing it from the delicate quality that 'sheer' embodies. Thus, 'transparent' is the most fitting synonym in this context.