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
Idaho residents’ property taxes have seen steep increases amid the area’s rapid population growth in recent years, especially in the Treasure Valley, the Statesman previously reported. Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 15 May 2025 The drop in trade was a major impetus for talks over the weekend that led to steep reductions in tariffs on both sides. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Verb
Make sure to consult the steeping direction for each kind of tea, as different teas should be steeped for various lengths of time at different temperatures (hotter for black and herbal and cooler for green and white, for instance). Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2025 It can also be steeped into a tea, which may amp up its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits. Christina Pérez, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
This extra clearance helps drivers power through rocks, ruts, and steep inclines with challenging breakover angles. Josh Max, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 French Press: The French press is a pot with that steeps the coffee grounds before separating it with a plunger. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steep
Adjective
  • Bordering Honduras to the south and Costa Rica to the north, Nicaragua shares aspects of both — mountainous terrain, defined dry and rainy seasons, the threat of hurricanes, and a challenging transportation network.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • The villages in this mountainous landscape are home to a pastoral nomadic community that has lived for generations in close connection with the land.
    Natela Grigalashvili, The Dial, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Among its findings were that Banks used excessive force and falsely imprisoned Myles; that Banks’ use of his dog violated Myles’ Fourth Amendment rights; that Banks and the county were both negligent; and that the county violated Myles’ civil rights by failing to properly train and supervise Banks.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • The lawsuit argues the incident is part of a larger pattern of excessive force by deputies.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • His work is suffused with such affection for the edge places where Europe bleeds into its others—Venice, Trieste, Alexandria, Algiers—that the continent becomes all edge.
    Nicholas Dames, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Kaunas: Where the Grand Duchy Endures As the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania — one of Europe’s largest and most powerful nations during the Late Middle Ages and early Renaissance — Kaunas is suffused with history.
    Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Photo : Anthony Barcelo A soaking tub holds court in the primary bath.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 23 May 2025
  • Generally, though, most people recover fine at home with Epsom salt soaks, a daily bandage change, and applying antibiotic ointment.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • But innovation is paired with complexity as regulatory systems lag and organizations grapple with tariffs, patent cliffs, M&As and global competition.
    Tonushree Mondal, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Even with the latest turnaround, U.S. consumers may still see some empty shelves in the coming weeks as the supply chain falls off the cliff.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • If there are grid lines on your windows, Weidenbaum recommends going with the horizontal line that lands closest to the vertical halfway point.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025
  • Ateliers Horizons has dabbled in sound before, developing a first jukebox in 2019, as well as a boombox housing a vertical turntable.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Hazards differ according to geography, but include flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, storm surges, and other severe weather events.
    Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • As a result, military training installations have had to adapt their training schedules to avoid the hottest times of day to mitigate the health risks associated with extreme heat.
    Bella Kubach, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The Midcentury Modern home of Justin Edwards, one half of the couple whose love story informs the show — an adaptation of Judy Blume’s 1975 novel — is flooded with work from Black Angelenos.
    Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
  • On Friday, social media was flooded with clips of Fortnite’s Darth Vader talking with players in Jones’s iconic voice.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steep. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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