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 In the second half of the 20th century, after Interstate 40 ripped Jefferson Street in two and catalyzed the precipitous decline of the historic Black district, the Tennessee State University marching band began its ascent. Andrea Williams, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Witness the precipitous drop in renewable energy prices and energy storage, giving green fuels the inside track. Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Still, no other Braves hitters have seen declines as precipitous as Albies and Harris. Albies, a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, entered Friday with a .221 average, six homers and 28 RBIs to go with a .618 OPS that was 160 points below his .778 career OPS. David O'Brien, New York Times, 27 June 2025 For example, many of us are still carrying latent resistance to the bubonic plague centuries after the precipitous event. Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for precipitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precipitous
Adjective
  • Scenes of hurried passengers chugging water or tossing full bottles into trash bins have become routine — and agents are required to confiscate anything that doesn’t comply, often to the frustration of everyday travelers.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2025
  • While authors have long relied on brief bookstore appearances and hurried festival signings to connect with their audience, reading retreats offer extended, intimate access to their most devoted fans in settings designed for thoughtful literary discussion.
    JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2025
Adjective
  • Even if a cold spell follows warm weather, if the temperature has already been stabilized at 58 to 60 degrees those same steep banks and dams on the downwind shore are spots to bet on.
    Anthony A. Ciuffa, Outdoor Life, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Failure to comply can carry steep penalties, with fines ranging from thousands to millions of dollars.
    Sagi Eliyahu, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Be aware of sudden re-direction of fires in response to passing outflow boundaries.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 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.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For example: • Excitement can spark innovation or lead to impulsive decisions.
    Marc Brackett, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025
  • That impulsive rescue set off a chain reaction that would change everything.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This momentary pause, this saving interruption of the headlong, breathless trajectory of rape or murder, admitted a kind of compassion, pity, even tenderness, halting injustice in its tracks.
    Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
  • But swirling around it are immigration restrictions, headlong and haphazard reductions in Federal spending and a separate but related confidence shock weighing on consumer behavior.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But setting that film's performance in a broader context shows that this is one win that the comics giant might not want to get too hasty about celebrating.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Jean Paul Bradshaw, an attorney for White, cautioned against a hasty election that could spark further legal challenges.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Dress Code: Modest swimwear is required, and swimsuits, rash guards and knee-length shorts are allowed.
    Evan Moore August 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Swimmers in polluted water may develop gastrointestinal illness, respiratory disease, ear and eye infection, and skin rash, the report states.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The filmmakers never judge Lynette as her actions grow more reckless, even when she’s forced to pick up Kenny and take him along on a series of dangerous encounters.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025
  • As the federal government continues to play with reckless and unauthorized tariffs that have burdened businesses with skyrocketing costs that have been passed along to consumers, the governor’s Affordability Agenda is centered around making life easier for New Yorkers.
    Walter Mosley, New York Daily News, 11 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precipitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precipitous. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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