Synonym Chooser

How is the word precipitous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of precipitous are abrupt, sheer, and steep. While all these words mean "having an incline approaching the perpendicular," precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical.

the river winds through a precipitous gorge

When might abrupt be a better fit than precipitous?

The meanings of abrupt and precipitous largely overlap; however, abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level.

a beach with an abrupt drop-off

When is sheer a more appropriate choice than precipitous?

In some situations, the words sheer and precipitous are roughly equivalent. However, sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse.

sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers

When would steep be a good substitute for precipitous?

The synonyms steep and precipitous are sometimes interchangeable, but steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.

a steep hill
a steep dive

Examples of precipitous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Last week’s precipitous fall in the stock market had many Californians nervous about whether the drop was a sign that a recession is imminent. Jon Coupal, Orange County Register, 12 Aug. 2024 The fall has been precipitous even among those most receptive to the mixing of business and issues. David Hessekiel, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 Those recreation centers that stayed open saw precipitous declines in patronage as many White parents stopped bringing their families, and those who could afford it constructed backyard pools to ensure that their kids would never have to share the water with Black children. Essence, 20 Sep. 2024 First, how long has the White House and its fellow travelers in the media been covering up President Biden’s precipitous decline? Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 28 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for precipitous 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'precipitous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near precipitous

Cite this Entry

“Precipitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precipitous. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on precipitous

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