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
Phoenix is a springtime magnet for outdoors lovers as well, and many visitors gravitate to the spectacular hike up the steep inclines and rocky surfaces of Camelback Mountain’s Cholla Trail. Cindy Barks, AFAR Media, 27 Feb. 2025 Mountain bikers love Nelson for its distinct type of trails, nostalgically referred to as classic BC-style (Read: highly technical singletrack with long vertical descents full of airs, bridges, steeps, roots, and rock slabs). Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
The full effect of steep new tariffs hasn’t been felt by shoppers yet, according to Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist at the National Retail Federation. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 July 2025 A lot of teams will be motivated to try on a steep finale like this, and there are a lot of specialists on the peloton in this terrain. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
The perfumer achieved this alchemy by steeping Habit Rouge in wooden barrels that previously held the pedigreed French brandy. Air Mail, 26 Apr. 2025 The longer the steeping time, the more contaminants were adsorbed. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steep
Adjective
  • Surfers have the mountainous waves of Mavericks Beach near Half Moon Bay.
    James Rainey Follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
  • The first step is a boot camp in a mountainous ski resort, where Karolina is teased by the other girls and gets so much preferential treatment from Vitek that Lucie, enraged, locks her outside in the snow and nearly kills her in the process.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez took to X on Saturday to say his office was closely monitoring the situation and advised use excessive caution in the affected areas.
    Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
  • Whether your hair is naturally dry or parched from excessive color treatments and heat styling, brittle strands are a stubborn bummer.
    Annie Blackman, Glamour, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The news people are announcing on repeat a mantra suffused with an English lilt in their mouths, that the fires haven’t gorged themselves on the rainforests like this in over half a century.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
  • What makes the series so delightful is Osman’s wicked sense of humor, and the empathy suffused throughout.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The colorful upper is breathable and moisture-wicking to keep your feet from getting sweaty or soaked by rain.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 10 July 2025
  • Valenzuela adds that watering in the morning ensures there's sufficient time for the water to soak deep into the soil before the heat of the day.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The early morning temple grounds are green and quiet, stacks of stone carvings lean against each other inside tall alcoves carved out of the cliff by centuries of water.
    Rebecca Chace July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • Looking Forward Merck’s acquisition strategy reflects management’s understanding of the Keytruda cliff and their determination to address it.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • While some programs featuring influencers and vertical excerpts of TV shows and movies are covered by union agreements, other projects don’t have those protections.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
  • If your small space is flanked by strong vertical fences or walls, the easiest solution is to cover the surface with plants.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • The new center, which Trump toured in July, has been criticized for inadequate conditions, including non-functioning toilets and extreme heat, according to the Miami Herald.
    Brendan Rascius July 11, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
  • While the booster performed impressively under extreme conditions, an unexpected anomaly caught engineers' attention: around 15 seconds before shutdown, the nozzle appeared to detach and release debris, accompanied by a bright plume flare.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Previous storms have flooded Mason’s building, damaging appliances and furniture, but this time she was mostly spared.
    William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Thousands of comments flooded the platform owned by Trump.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steep. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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