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

Relevance

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

Related Words

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

Doing so helps avoid the steepest amount of depreciation, while still being under warranty. —

Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026 Rain Creek Parkway — a steep hill just a few blocks from his house — looked fully iced over. —

Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026

Verb

A day steeped in history in numerous ways In a state steeped with political history and tradition, Saturday’s inauguration was unprecedented in other ways too. —

Josh Meyer, USA Today, 17 Jan. 2026 Like cold brew coffee, cold brew tea is made by steeping tea leaves in cold milk or water for several hours or overnight. —

Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2026

Noun

The vibe is chill, the lift lines are short, and the terrain is surprisingly diverse, with everything from wide-open cruisers to intense, off-piste steeps and trees. —

Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 17 Nov. 2025 Consider the common scenarios faced by everyday riders: steep inclines that drain battery life, crowded streets where stability and braking precision are crucial, or long daily commutes that require both comfort and endurance. —

Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steep

Adjective

The cave has still kept much of its speakeasy qualities, looking like a mountainous tavern with wood arches and brick and iron detailing.

— Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The area where the plane disappeared, near Colombia’s border with Venezuela, is known for its mountainous terrain and poor visibility.

— Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 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 2 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 2 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of steep

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noun

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