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 Kinloch also has questioned the validity of a precipitous decline in violent crime reported by Detroit police last year. Violet Ikonomova, Freep.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Colorado Parks and Wildlife dedicated a new pedestrian bridge on Thursday in Eldorado Canyon State Park, where steep sandstone cliffs and precipitous crags have lured expert rock climbers from around the world since the 1970s. John Meyer, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025 The film chronicles his immigration from Hungary and rise to stardom, both as the star of Dracula on Broadway and the Hollywood adaptation, as well as his precipitous fall after declining the role of Frankenstein, which went to his future rival Boris Karloff. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025 Such precipitous emotional hurdles are just the right height for television, and co-showrunners Andy Parker and Jennifer Cecil embrace the self-doubting turmoil of Cameron’s arduous coming-of-age arc. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precipitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precipitous
Adjective
  • By doing so, the Panthers tried a hurried, fire-drill field goal, which Ryan Fitzgerald then proceeded to miss, which meant the halftime score was 19-3, Buffalo, and soon to get much worse.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2025
  • There were multiple occasions in which A&M’s defensive front hit or hurried quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with just four rushers.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Luckily, this option from Quince offers all of the luxury without the steep price tag typically associated with cashmere.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • This resulted in a dearth of micro-collections of organic cotton T-shirts or one-off collections that didn’t address the company’s larger goals, while general consumption and production were on a steep rise.
    Bella Webb, Vogue, 30 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
  • Most aneurysms are symptom-free, but sudden severe headaches or vision changes can signal a life-threatening rupture.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Health, 25 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.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Concerned that Barack Obama was running away with the race, John McCain made an impulsive gamble, boldly picking the largely unknown Alaska governor Sarah Palin.
    Time, Time, 3 Nov. 2025
  • His demeanor speaks to the archer's fiery nature and impulsive behavior, keeping their characteristics in sync.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With that lightness, making that headlong dive into uncertainty got easier.
    Sarah Chamberlain, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • According to reporting from El Dorado Hills community publication Village Life in 2023, Loewen’s hasty exit came months after El Dorado Hills residents voiced concerns over possible ethics and contract violations.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Chief among the clues police have recovered at the scene of Sunday's sensational crime at one of the world's most famous museums are traces of DNA found on items the thieves left behind in their hasty motorbike getaway.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Retaliating by no longer subsidizing Amy’s 4-H activities and withholding birthday and Christmas gifts may have been rash and could drive a lasting wedge that won’t be easily repaired.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025
  • There are bright blue and green swim shorts with hexagonal prints, silk resort shirts, a jacquard shorts and shirt set, rash guards and matching beach bags and towels.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precipitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precipitous. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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