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
Beyond the steep price tag ($449.99), there were a few more surprises, namely Joy-Con 2 components that snap off the handheld and can be used as a mouse. Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 23 May 2025 That might sound steep, but most analysts believe if Apple somehow could suddenly start making iPhones in the U.S., prices for the devices would soar to at least $2,000 and possibly might rise as high as $3,500. Michael Liedtke, Chicago Tribune, 23 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
  • Pigeons also adapted in response to human development, nesting on skyscrapers instead of on cliff faces and expanding their range alongside people.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2025
  • Over the franchise's 30-year span, Cruise has done everything from dangling from a wire in Mission: Impossible to motorcycling off a cliff in Mission Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 25 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
  • Given the continued disparities of labor in the home, women face unique challenges during and after extreme weather events.
    Sheetal Khedkar Rao, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Hospital hallways have been flooded with the injured and dead.
    Carrie Kahn, NPR, 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 30 May. 2025.

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