STEEP Synonyms: 207 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'steep' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of steep are abrupt , precipitous , and sheer . While all these words mean "having an incline approaching the perpendicular," steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult. // a steep hill // a steep dive

Q: When would 'abrupt' be a good substitute for 'steep'?

In some situations, the words abrupt and steep are roughly equivalent. However, abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level. // a beach with an abrupt drop-off

Q: When might 'precipitous' be a better fit than 'steep'?

While in some cases nearly identical to steep , precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical. // the river winds through a precipitous gorge

Q: When is it sensible to use 'sheer' instead of 'steep'?

Although the words sheer and steep have much in common, sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse. // sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers

steep 1 of 3

adjective

ˈstēp

Definition of steep next

as in mountainous

having an incline approaching the perpendicular a very steep rock face that is nearly impossible to climb

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in excessive

going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount we would like to hire him, but his salary demands are just too steep

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

steep

2 of 3

verb

as in to suffuse

to cause (as a person) to become filled or saturated with a certain quality or principle grew up steeped in the ways of his ancestors a town steeped in history

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to soak

to wet thoroughly with liquid chew fresh ginger that has been steeped in hot water to aid digestion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

steep

3 of 3

noun

as in cliff

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Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of steep are abrupt, precipitous, and sheer. While all these words mean "having an incline approaching the perpendicular," steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.

a steep hill

a steep dive

When would abrupt be a good substitute for steep?

In some situations, the words abrupt and steep are roughly equivalent. However, abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level.

a beach with an abrupt drop-off

When might precipitous be a better fit than steep?

While in some cases nearly identical to steep, precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical.

the river winds through a precipitous gorge

When is it sensible to use sheer instead of steep?

Although the words sheer and steep have much in common, sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse.

sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers

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 steep

Adjective

In recent years, NYPR has faced steep financial challenges amid a drop in philanthropic and individual donations. —

Max Tani, semafor.com, 1 June 2026 Nonetheless, his dismissal is a steep fall from grace, a year on from him winning the Premier League title at the first attempt. —

Phil Hay, New York Times, 1 June 2026

Verb

The flavor craze began back in 2023 when social media users were steeping black tea bags in a bottle of Sprite. —

Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 May 2026 Just from a personal standpoint, that was also joyful for me, living in this other environment and getting steeped into it and feeling it out. —

William Earl, Variety, 17 May 2026

Noun

Lusti and Pierrel must be hyper-fixated on precision, because every single body movement on a rock face that steep comes with consequences. —

Frederick Dreier, Outside, 12 Dec. 2025 The timer can also be removed if a short steep of 30 seconds is required for white or green teas to reduce bitterness. —

New Atlas, 25 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steep

Adjective

Lao officials say the villagers normally forage in the mountainous surroundings for a living.

— Jintamas Saksornchai, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Rescuers at the scene have detailed on social media the challenging mountainous terrain and heavy rain that has hampered their work.

— Matt Gutman, CBS News, 27 May 2026

Definition of mountainous

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steely

steep

steeped

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“Steep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steep. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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Synonyms of steep

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