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

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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

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

That’s a pretty steep surcharge for the importer (in this case, the end consumer) to pay, especially when most de minimis shipments are worth $50 or less. —

Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2025 The recovery was mired in a mix of challenges, including widespread lack of sufficient insurance, the onset of the COVID pandemic, steep terrain, aging septic systems and sky-high construction costs. —

Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025

Verb

His name would be further steeped into Chiefs history after scoring the winning goal in the 3-2 victory against City. —

Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 Between the lines: There are a bunch of fancy hotel teas with high prices to match — especially around the holidays — though more casual places are steeping it up. —

Anna Spiegel, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024

Noun

What To Know The company made a strong Wall Street debut but shares in the company experienced sharp rises and steep falls over the last year—from peaks of around $66 to lows of about $12. Often, changes appeared to correlate with significant events involving Trump himself. —

Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024 And while the price is a little steep for a one-bedroom in this neighborhood, a two-bedroom in the building has already sold for over $1 million. —

Kim Velsey, Curbed, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for steep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steep

Adjective

Two to 4 inches of rain are expected across Northern California, the NWS Sacramento office posted on X, as well as heavy snow in mountainous areas.

— Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
But there, too, Turkey’s drones and a ring of forward bases have hemmed in the PKK, preventing the group from using northern Iraq’s mountainous terrain to stage attacks into Turkey.

— Halil Karaveli, Foreign Affairs, 3 Feb. 2025

Definition of mountainous

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Style

“Steep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steep. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of steep

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verb

noun

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