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Some common synonyms of steep<\/em> are abrupt<\/em><\/a>, precipitous<\/em><\/a>, and sheer<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"having an incline approaching the perpendicular,\" steep<\/em> implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.<\/p>

\/\/ a steep<\/em> hill<\/p>

\/\/ a steep<\/em> dive<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'abrupt' be a good substitute for 'steep'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words abrupt<\/em><\/a> and steep<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, abrupt<\/em> implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level.<\/p>

\/\/ a beach with an abrupt<\/em> drop-off<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'precipitous' be a better fit than 'steep'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to steep<\/em>, precipitous<\/em><\/a> applies to an incline approaching the vertical.<\/p>

\/\/ the river winds through a precipitous<\/em> gorge<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'sheer' instead of 'steep'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words sheer<\/em><\/a> and steep<\/em> have much in common, sheer<\/em> suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse.<\/p>

\/\/ sheer<\/em> cliffs that daunted the climbers<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the word 'steep' different from other adjectives like it?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of steep<\/em> are abrupt<\/em><\/a>, precipitous<\/em><\/a>, and sheer<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"having an incline approaching the perpendicular,\" steep<\/em> implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.<\/p>

\/\/ a steep<\/em> hill<\/p>

\/\/ a steep<\/em> dive<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'abrupt' be a good substitute for 'steep'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words abrupt<\/em><\/a> and steep<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, abrupt<\/em> implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level.<\/p>

\/\/ a beach with an abrupt<\/em> drop-off<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'precipitous' be a better fit than 'steep'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to steep<\/em>, precipitous<\/em><\/a> applies to an incline approaching the vertical.<\/p>

\/\/ the river winds through a precipitous<\/em> gorge<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'sheer' instead of 'steep'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words sheer<\/em><\/a> and steep<\/em> have much in common, sheer<\/em> suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse.<\/p>

\/\/ sheer<\/em> cliffs that daunted the climbers<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the word 'steep' different from other adjectives like it?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of steep<\/em> are abrupt<\/em><\/a>, precipitous<\/em><\/a>, and sheer<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"having an incline approaching the perpendicular,\" steep<\/em> implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.<\/p>

\/\/ a steep<\/em> hill<\/p>

\/\/ a steep<\/em> dive<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'abrupt' be a good substitute for 'steep'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words abrupt<\/em><\/a> and steep<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, abrupt<\/em> implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level.<\/p>

\/\/ a beach with an abrupt<\/em> drop-off<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'precipitous' be a better fit than 'steep'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to steep<\/em>, precipitous<\/em><\/a> applies to an incline approaching the vertical.<\/p>

\/\/ the river winds through a precipitous<\/em> gorge<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'sheer' instead of 'steep'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words sheer<\/em><\/a> and steep<\/em> have much in common, sheer<\/em> suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse.<\/p>

\/\/ sheer<\/em> cliffs that daunted the climbers<\/p>" } } ] }

steep 1 of 3

adjective

ˈstÄ“p How to pronounce steep (audio)
Definition of steepnext
1
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
2
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

1
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
2
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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

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

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
The Padres’ goal of being better early in games will get some steep tests at the beginning of the season. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 Farmers in the region rely almost entirely on Colorado River water for irrigation and face potentially steep cuts under future agreements. —Amalia Roy, FOXNews.com, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
There’s mofawer, also known as mufawar, brewed coffee rich with spices and evaporated or condensed milk; and qishr, a tea-like, low-caffeine drink steeped with coffee cherry husks, cinnamon and ginger. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026 Or, scent the vinegar by steeping 1 cup of citrus peels in 2 cups of vinegar for about a week; strain out the peels and label the bottle. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
The timer can also be removed if a short steep of 30 seconds is required for white or green teas to reduce bitterness. —New Atlas, 25 Nov. 2025 Add the garlic and herbs and steep over low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. —CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steep
  1. mountainous
  2. excessive
  3. suffuse
  4. soak
  5. cliff
  6. vertical
  7. extreme
  8. flood
Adjective
  • Hailing from mountainous southwestern Virginia, the Stanley Brothers – Ralph and Carter – were a foundational act in bluegrass whose music has influenced generations of artists in a variety of genres.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Skiers in their 30s may have already checked off the Rockies and the Alps, so mountainous regions of Japan may be the next stop to experience the country’s famous powder.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of mountainous
Adjective
  • Illinois Senate President Don Harmon should pass legislation granting the Illinois Department of Insurance the power to reject excessive rate hikes by insurance companies regarding homeowners’ insurance rates.
    — Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The National Park Service warns that excessive saltwater intrusion can weaken the trees over time, and in some cases, eventually kill them.
    — Dan Peck, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of excessive
Verb
  • That day in the plastic factory was suffused with a loss that hadn’t happened yet.
    — Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Many of the people who live in that dark world are suffused with a kind of energy—both positive and negative—that people who walk in broad daylight can’t begin to imagine.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of suffuse
Verb
  • Despite the intense heat of the last few days is not yet enough to bring drought to a region that was soaked by winter rain, but may make for a dangerous, fuel-heavy fire season, forecasters said Friday.
    — Sierra van der Brug, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Topping it all off is the spacious top-floor primary suite, which has a sliding glass door opening to a private terrace offering city skyline views encompassing the Freedom Tower, along with a walk-in closet and a bath spotlighted by a freestanding oval soaking tub.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of soak
Noun
  • It's been three months since a ceasefire ended bitter border fighting between Cambodia and Thailand, but signs of combat are cut deep in this 11th-century temple atop a 525-meter (1,722-foot) cliff in the Dangrek Mountain range.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The man’s home was on a small, nearby lake, surrounded by cliffs to jump from.
    — Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of cliff
Adjective
  • The 6-foot-1, 195-pound defensive back already posted a 39-inch vertical jump and a 10-5 broad jump in Indianapolis.
    — Mike Kaye March 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
  • When the air is pushed upward, that rotation becomes vertical, creating what’s known as a mesocyclone.
    — Perry Samson, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of vertical
Adjective
  • In 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that prohibits cities and counties from creating their own heat exposure protections for outdoor workers—a move critics say limits local efforts to address extreme working conditions.
    — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The technology is aimed primarily at reducing the extreme physical strain experienced by artillery crews.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of extreme
Verb
  • Instead, the Dive-XL uses a modular, free-flooding design, with sensitive components sealed inside internal canisters.
    — David Szondy March 22, New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2026
  • So, even if China tries to flood the market again, MP is covered.
    — Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of flood

Browse Nearby Words

steely
steep
steeped
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Cite this Entry

“Steep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steep. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on steep

Nglish: Translation of steep for Spanish Speakers

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