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

But bear in mind that a steep NAV discount is great for buying, not so much for selling. —

Michael Foster, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 However, Nuveen’s Close noted that the intermediate to long part of the curve is now very steep, unlike the Treasury curve. —

Michelle Fox, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024

Verb

Except that it’s become clear that nothing quite compares to properly steeped loose leaf. —

Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 Cover pitcher or container and refrigerate overnight to steep. —

Don Francisco Coffee, Sunset Magazine, 27 Sep. 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

This deluge raises the risk of flash flooding and mudslides, especially in Jamaica’s mountainous regions.

Mary Gilbert, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
In the mountainous Aseer, a large province south of Al-Baha bordering the Red Sea, the regional dish is al-haneeth, which has origins in Yemen.

Paul Feinstein, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024

Definition of mountainous

Cite this Entry

Style

“Steep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steep. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 13 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

tenacious

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Synonyms of steep

adjective

verb

noun

Synonym Chooser

Examples Sentences

Thesaurus Entries Near steep

Cite this Entry