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precipitous

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of precipitous

1 acting or done with excessive or careless speed

soon regretted our precipitous actions in international affairs

Synonyms for precipitous

Words Related to precipitous

abrupt,
sudden

Near Antonyms for precipitous

Antonyms for precipitous

2 having an incline approaching the perpendicular

a precipitous ski slope that fully merits its triple diamond designation

Synonyms for precipitous

Words Related to precipitous

Near Antonyms for precipitous

Antonyms for precipitous

easy

Frequently Asked Questions About precipitous

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

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