steep 1 of 3

Definition of steepnext

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
Reaching the wreckage proved difficult as emergency workers, backed by paramilitary forces, climbed down a steep mountainside to the ravine up to 25 meters (80 feet) deep. ABC News, 3 July 2026 Those pages explain why prosecutors believe O'Hearn should grant the disgraced former stockbroker Patten a steep downward departure from advisory sentencing guidelines. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Verb
In our research, participants’ stories were steeped with nostalgia for the days of company picnics, Oscar-style end-of-quarter celebrations, and disco-at-the-office parties. Alanah Mitchell, The Conversation, 2 June 2026 Make spearmint tea by steeping fresh or dried spearmint leaves in hot water. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 1 June 2026
Noun
Best Sennheiser Headphone Deals The Momentum 4 offers an audiophile-grade experience that rarely sees a discount this steep. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026 Let the tea steep for a few minutes and remove and throw away the tea bags. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for steep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steep
Adjective
  • The result is a chain of polite, yet simultaneously radical buildings with an exciting contour resembling a mountainous landscape – adding ‘bergen’ in De Bergen!
    Bridget Borgobello July 04, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • Road accidents are common in Pakistan because of poor road conditions, inadequate enforcement of traffic laws and unsafe driving practices, particularly in mountainous areas.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Last month, six women interviewed by the Times described concerning behavior by Platner, including excessive drinking, infidelity, and, in one account, physical intimidation.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Black residents of the city have expressed fear of harassment and concerns about trading high crime for excessive policing.
    Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • His brow is porcelain-smooth and suffused with light, his locks glossy and curled, his nose straight and regular.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
  • The seductive serenity of the Alps on a sunny day suffused the scene.
    William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • As the sun began to rise over the Atlanta skyline on the nation’s 250th birthday, racers, soaking with sweat from head to toe, were locked stride for stride with one another during the 2026 Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race.
    Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 4 July 2026
  • Be sure to soak an untreated cedar plank in water for 1 to 2 hours before cooking.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Whenever someone reaches the top of the 25-meter (82-feet) cliff — often for the first time — spectators, instructors and climbers break into applause.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • Every twenty minutes cliff divers, costumed characters, and magicians put on performances and interact with diners.
    Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • Thanks to this vertical ecosystem, stretching from the Apple Watch through iPhone and iPad to the Mac, Apple’s retail pricing has more flexibility than a traditional smartphone manufacturer.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Bradley Barcola provides a vertical threat with his speed while Olise is the creator that knits everything together.
    Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • The National Weather Service said cool air from the north will push the heat dome, responsible for a heat wave that started midweek, south and west in the coming days, relieving some of the most extreme temperatures in the Northeast.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • The laminate reinforces the glass to create a shatter-resistant barrier, preventing shards of glass from flying out during extreme weather.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • News of his death – one example of the political violence roiling America in recent years – quickly went global, with graphic videos flooding social media and politicians on both sides of the aisle swiftly condemning the killing.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Video from the store's security camera captured the collapse, showing a portion of the roof fall near the bakery section as a deluge of water flooded the interior.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Steep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steep. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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