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

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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

Entering the retail space as novices forced these bottle shop owners to face a steep learning curve. —

Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 14 Jan. 2025 Destiny Tech 100’s relatively high fees, large NAV premium, and valuation practices may provide steep challenges for many retail investors. —

Joel Shulman, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025

Verb

Chicken stock adds meaty savoriness while a bit of cream offers just a touch of silky decadence, all of which comes steeped with herbaceous thyme and sage, as well as a good hit of garlic. —

Tricia Manzanero Stuedeman, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 In Haddon’s bright kitchen, the tea had finished steeping. —

Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024

Noun

But some users have found the learning curve a little steep. —

David Phelan, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for steep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steep

Adjective

The territory consists of dense rainforest and mountainous terrain that stretches from the Caribbean coast almost across the country to the Pacific Ocean.

Adam Williams, NPR, 11 Jan. 2025
New smoke activity to the southeast appeared on the mountainous horizon, with helicopters and large airplanes circulating it.

Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

Definition of mountainous

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Style

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

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Last Updated: 18 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of steep

adjective

verb

noun

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