PRECIPITOUS Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'precipitous' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of precipitous are abrupt , sheer , and steep . While all these words mean "having an incline approaching the perpendicular," precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical. // the river winds through a precipitous gorge

Q: When might 'abrupt' be a better fit than 'precipitous'?

The meanings of abrupt and precipitous largely overlap; however, abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level. // a beach with an abrupt drop-off

Q: When is 'sheer' a more appropriate choice than 'precipitous'?

In some situations, the words sheer and precipitous are roughly equivalent. However, sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse. // sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers

Q: When would 'steep' be a good substitute for 'precipitous'?

The synonyms steep and precipitous are sometimes interchangeable, but steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult. // a steep hill // a steep dive

precipitous

adjective

pri-ˈsi-pə-təs

Definition of precipitous next

as in hurried

acting or done with excessive or careless speed soon regretted our precipitous actions in international affairs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in steep

having an incline approaching the perpendicular a precipitous ski slope that fully merits its triple diamond designation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word precipitous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of precipitous are abrupt, sheer, and steep. While all these words mean "having an incline approaching the perpendicular," precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical.

the river winds through a precipitous gorge

When might abrupt be a better fit than precipitous?

The meanings of abrupt and precipitous largely overlap; however, abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level.

a beach with an abrupt drop-off

When is sheer a more appropriate choice than precipitous?

In some situations, the words sheer and precipitous are roughly equivalent. However, sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse.

sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers

When would steep be a good substitute for precipitous?

The synonyms steep and precipitous are sometimes interchangeable, but steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.

a steep hill

a steep dive

Examples 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 precipitous No matter what, the drop-off from Milano to whoever joins the starting lineup is precipitous. —

Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 15 Aug. 2024 Anticipating the precipitous drop in his army’s enrollment at the beginning of the new year, Washington had engaged in a furious letter-writing campaign in the fall of 1776 begging for more troops and supplies. —

John Laycock, Baltimore Sun, 27 Dec. 2024 That’s resulted in a precipitous drop in border encounters nationwide since the peak of 370,000 in December 2023 to 205,000 in June, according to CBP data. —

Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, along with the precipitous drop in sales, the company has laid off nearly 600 workers in two waves this year. —

William Roberson, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for precipitous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for precipitous

Adjective

Just handshakes, quiet embraces and a hurried effort by the military to get everybody home in time for Christmas.

David Wolman, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025
Mings’ handball turned out to be decisive and Emery, speaking in a hurried post-match press conference, partially blamed his team’s loss on the incident.

Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024