steepen

verb

steep·​en ˈstē-pən How to pronounce steepen (audio)
-pᵊm
steepened; steepening ˈstē-pə-niŋ How to pronounce steepen (audio)
ˈstēp-niŋ

intransitive verb

: to become steeper

transitive verb

: to make steeper

Examples of steepen in a Sentence

The path steepened as we approached the summit. A large glacier steepened the side of the mountain.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That curve is still steepening. — Brian Barlow, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026 Abrupt changes can amplify wave drag and steepen the shock signature, so this smoothing also assists in mitigating the sonic boom. — Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025 They were confronted instead by an ever-steepening incline as the women’s game went professional. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 Raising the retirement age may also steepen the benefit reductions claimants receive for taking benefits early, starting from age 62, according to Eskovitz. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for steepen

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of steepen was in 1847

Rhymes for steepen

See All Rhymes for steepen

Browse Nearby Words

steeped in tradition
steepen
steeper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Steepen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steepen. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

steepen

verb
steep·​en ˈstē-pən How to pronounce steepen (audio)
steepened; steepening ˈstēp-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce steepen (audio)
: to make or become steeper
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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