steepen

verb

steep·​en ˈstē-pən How to pronounce steepen (audio)
-pᵊm
steepened; steepening ˈstē-pə-niŋ How to pronounce steepen (audio)
ˈstēp-niŋ

transitive verb

: to make steeper

Examples of steepen in a Sentence

The path steepened as we approached the summit. A large glacier steepened the side of the mountain.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In another sign that the sector downturn is still searching for a bottom, the declines in home prices across 70 major cities steepened in November. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2025 If the cuts steepen to 30%, the data projections show a worsening picture, with 16 million more child deaths by 2045. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025 Now Hieronimus, who previously helmed the Luxe division, looks to steepen the company’s dominance in the category. Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 2 Dec. 2025 From here Cathedral Rock Trail steepens dramatically, shinnying up rock faces, angling from ledge to ledge. Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steepen

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of steepen was in 1847

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Steepen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steepen. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

steepen

verb
steep·​en ˈstē-pən How to pronounce steepen (audio)
steepened; steepening ˈstēp-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce steepen (audio)
: to make or become steeper
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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