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.
Better still, the skew has steepened. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 5 June 2026 The term refers to a steepening deviation between upper and lower economic classes, popularized after the Covid-19 pandemic disproportionately hit underprivileged groups. Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 12 May 2026 That curve is still steepening. Brian Barlow, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026 The strategy, from money managers including Columbia Threadneedle Investment and Wellington Management, runs counter to the consensus wager, which is that lengthier tenors will suffer in 2026, especially compared to shorter counterparts, steepening the yield curve. Michael MacKenzie, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026 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 10 Jun. 2026.

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
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