steepen

verb

steep·​en ˈstē-pən 

-pᵊm

steepened; steepening ˈstē-pə-niŋ 

ˈstēp-niŋ

intransitive verb

: to become steeper

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

Chronert considered the potential stock implications for a drop in the 2-year Treasury yield by a half percentage point, a steepening yield curve and the potential for either positive or negative economic data. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025

Abrupt changes can amplify wave drag and steepen the shock signature, so this smoothing also assists in mitigating the sonic boom. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025

Economic Risks Perceived political meddling could steepen the yield curve, pushing long-term rates higher and nullifying any short-term rate cuts the Fed might enact—whether voluntarily or under duress. —Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Long-term Treasury yields rose after the Trump move, while short-term yields slipped, steepening the curve, indicating that investors are betting rates may fall in the near term but drift higher if a politicized Fed proves less attentive to inflation. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for steepen

• cheapen
• deepen
• marzipan

Kids Definition

steepen

verb

steep·​en ˈstē-pən 

steepened; steepening ˈstēp-(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become steeper