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

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of precipitous Will there be a precipitous dropoff for Brian St. Pierre’s group? Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 1 Sep. 2025 All of this costly, but even more costly for MP Materials has been the precipitous decline in rare earth prices over the past couple of years, which has hit the bottom line hard. John Hyatt, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025 All three indices had seen precipitous drops earlier in the day after the news of Powell’s imminent firing broke. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 16 July 2025 The region dominated America’s iron and steel production before its precipitous decline as companies failed to adopt new technologies, says Chris Briem, an economist at the University of Pittsburgh. Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for precipitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precipitous
Adjective
  • Yet beneath this veneer, the wail of sirens, the hurried stamp of feet into basements and the slam of shelter doors have become just as familiar.
    Sonal Nain, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Modi’s meeting with Xi was neither a sudden response to Trump’s bullying nor a hurried reset of India’s relationship with China.
    TANVI MADAN, Foreign Affairs, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Falcons sacked McCarthy six times on the way to a 22-6 win, but playing against Allen will present a much steeper challenge.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Want access to even steeper discounts?
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Our poor Toby, always so stressed, always so rushed.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • These alternatives can often provide a richer, less rushed experience than a whirlwind day trip to Paris.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with caution and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • An impulsive move can backfire.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Woolf said that those with the condition may also be given antidepressants to treat low mood or mood stabilizers to manage manic symptoms, which can include elevated mood, impulsive behavior and sleep difficulties.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Right fielder Victor Robles, outfitted in two fluorescent armbands and pink cleats, caught the baseball with a headlong dive.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • In the headlong rush for technological supremacy, strange new risks are being created.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While enjoying drinks at Lucy’s across the street from Paramount Studios, William Wyler, Humphrey Bogart, John Huston and Lauren Bacall devised a hasty plan to show up in Washington to protest the hearings.
    Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
  • That multivitamin may seem like armor against a hasty, nutrient-sparse breakfast.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Finally, as ever, the potential for rash, impulsive decisions with disastrous long-term consequences is never out of mind with this franchise.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • He was arrested but earned his degree; very few people ever knew about his rash vandalism.
    Christopher L. Eisgruber, Time, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precipitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precipitous. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

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