steep 1 of 3

steep

2 of 3

verb

steep

3 of 3

noun

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
Economists have warned that early layoffs like Williams’ could be the first signs of labor market fallout from Trump’s steep (and shifting) tariffs, which have ramped up uncertainty testing the nimbleness of businesses of all sizes. Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 June 2025 However, the menu item doesn't actually come with that steep of a cost. Catherine Santino, People.com, 1 June 2025
Verb
The last thing this offense needs is a steeper incline. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025 While Greeks and Romans were the first to plant grapevines on the Rhône River’s steep slopes, the modern era of winemaking in this part of southeastern France dates back to the 18th century, when wine barrels were marked with the initials CDR for Côte du Rhône. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
Unlike other teas, which involve steeping leaves and removing them before drinking, matcha powder is then whisked into hot water. Rebecca Corbett, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2025 For a unique spin on this refreshing golf cocktail, try steeping with other popular tea flavors like Peach, Lavender, or Earl Grey. Emily Price, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steep
Adjective
  • AccuWeather® experts warn that the storm’s sluggish pace over mountainous terrain significantly increases the risk of flash flooding and deadly mudslides, especially in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Sedona is also home to beautiful crisp weather, mountainous views and a unique local art scene.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Its bladeless construction is designed to pull in air and powerfully circulate it around the room, all without accumulating excessive dust like standard fans do—a double plus in my book.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
  • And although its fats are healthy, excessive intake can still contribute to unwanted pounds.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Smith suffuses the book with a kind of clinical detachment, even as the dread mounts with each page.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
  • His music, stuffed with live instrumentation and harmonic sophistication, is suffused with the sound and spirit of Sly Stone, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix and Marvin Gaye, among many others.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With Cosa Nuestra, Rauw created a world for his fans to soak themselves in — one far from a typical reggaetón concert.
    Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Locals and tourists alike just love to go and soak it all in.
    Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In preparation for that cliff, tribal leaders in Montana have started culling bison herds to feed their community members on one reservation where the population is disproportionately food insecure.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Imposing granite cliff faces like Half Dome and El Capitan, serene meadows and forests, and the picturesque Merced River, all tend to come to mind.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • At the neckline of Washington’s frock, a white shirt with a coordinated navy and black pinstripe tie featured, with a clip in gold and the red, white and blue vertical stripe motif synonymous with Browne’s eponymous brand.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • GammaTime launched this month on iOS and Android devices with more than 20 Hollywood-caliber vertical originals spanning suspense thriller, romantic melodramas and true crime.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In Julius Caesar Shakespeare demonstrates the extreme consequences of a lack of due process.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
  • For extreme pickle lovers, Jimmy John's is also offering the Triple Pickle, a meal deal that features your choice of Picklewich, Pickle Jimmy Chips, and Pickle Ranch.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But if so, that original dream did not last long in the face of the torrent of money that soon started flooding his way.
    Moisés Naím, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Americans are still flooding into money market funds, despite the the Federal Reserve’s latest campaign to lower borrowing costs.
    Michelle Fox, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steep. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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