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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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

The steep drop in the housing market and the resulting downfall of the mortgage industry led to a credit crisis that brought the economy into a recession. —

Barbara Hagenbaugh, USA Today, 22 June 2026 More than a quarter of the total audience splurged for premium large-format screenings that can carry steeper price tags. —

Alex Harring, CNBC, 22 June 2026

Verb

Jennifer Cassel, another attorney with Earthjustice, said water near coal ash becomes thick with pollution, like a tea that is steeped for too long. —

ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026 Allow to steep for 1 hour without letting the oil burn. —

ABC News, 27 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

Winter brings peak ski season at Bachelor and the more mountainous crowds.

— Sierra Vandervort, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026
These many watering holes are reflective of the Lone Star state's varied geographic regions, from bald cypress swamps to mountainous desert lakes.

— Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 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 25 Jun. 2026.

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Synonyms of steep

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