STEEP Synonyms: 207 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

steep 1 of 3

adjective

ˈstēp

Definition of steep next

as in mountainous

having an incline approaching the perpendicular a very steep rock face that is nearly impossible to climb

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in excessive

going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount we would like to hire him, but his salary demands are just too steep

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

steep

2 of 3

verb

as in to suffuse

to cause (as a person) to become filled or saturated with a certain quality or principle grew up steeped in the ways of his ancestors a town steeped in history

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to soak

to wet thoroughly with liquid chew fresh ginger that has been steeped in hot water to aid digestion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

steep

3 of 3

noun

as in cliff

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 steep

Adjective

Pressly’s $14 million salary is steep, especially for a 35-year-old reliever coming off an inconsistent season. —

Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024 While there’s much concern and many unanswered questions about the Trump administration implementing steep tariffs on China, Mexico, Canada and other countries, consumers are still spending despite higher interest rates and inflation. —

David Moin, WWD, 11 Dec. 2024

Verb

In Haddon’s bright kitchen, the tea had finished steeping. —

Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024 The deer steeped out of the ditch along the field edge and headed straight for the scrape that was just 22 yards from his blind. —

Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 23 Oct. 2024

Noun

The shorts are made out of durable nylon that stretches enough to allow you the range of motion to stand on a picnic table for no reason or hike the steeps of a Colorado mountain trail. —

Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 27 July 2024 Increasing the time tea steeps increases the amount of caffeine and other components like theanine. —

Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for steep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steep

Adjective

Meanwhile, Colorado's Christmas Day will be cooler than usual, with snow expected to fall in the mountainous regions.

Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
The Sky Islands are a mountainous archipelago stretching from around Tucson down through southeastern Arizona into northern Mexico.

Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 23 Dec. 2024

Definition of mountainous

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Style

“Steep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steep. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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Last Updated: 29 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of steep

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verb

noun

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