steep 1 of 3

adjective

ˈstēp 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

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 represents a steep 67-percent dropoff after a stronger-than-expected opening weekend, but Amazon MGM is insisting that things are going great. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026 Shares of Nvidia climbed at steep pace, making the AI giant the ninth company in the world to reach a $1 trillion valuation in 2023, three decades after its establishment. —Rosa De Acosta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
On the other hand, an even, coarse grind that looks like rough sea salt is best for a French press, as the coffee steeps with full immersion. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Jan. 2026 Coffee extract Like vanilla or almond extract, coffee extract is made by steeping the main ingredient, in this case coffee beans, in an alcohol- or water-based solvent. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
The vibe is chill, the lift lines are short, and the terrain is surprisingly diverse, with everything from wide-open cruisers to intense, off-piste steeps and trees. —Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 17 Nov. 2025 Consider the common scenarios faced by everyday riders: steep inclines that drain battery life, crowded streets where stability and braking precision are crucial, or long daily commutes that require both comfort and endurance. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Oct. 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
  • The plane crashed into mountainous terrain in unknown circumstances, according to preliminary information, the National Transportation Safety Board said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Island nations, mountainous areas and remote regions stand out.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of mountainous
Adjective
  • Although the Bobcats scored more points in the paint, their inability to stop the Eagles' forward on the interior led to excessive fouling.
    — Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Critics say it was often used to justify excessive force by police.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of excessive
Verb
  • Your energetic 5th house hosts the meeting of Mercury and Pluto, suffusing your hobbies with cosmic delight.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Reid seemed to truly believe, despite the partisanship that suffused the column, that the Senate had been badly damaged.
    — Jon Ralston, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2026
Definition of suffuse
Verb
  • Make sure to use a damp mop rather than a soaking wet one, or use a floor spray designed for hardwood floors and a dry cleaning pad to clean the surface.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
  • For extra protection, Stowell suggests soaking strawberries in a mixture of one part white vinegar to three parts water for five to 10 minutes, then rinsing thoroughly.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of soak
Noun
  • The striking latticework rectangles of Alila Uluwatu, an all-villa resort set high on a cliff on the Bukit Peninsula, has become an icon for contemporary Bali.
    — Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Instead of sandy beaches, its dark volcanic cliffs drop abruptly into the sea.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of cliff
Adjective
  • Built for a client focused on results rather than polish by Nick Maselli, the robot—named Sourccey—features a cylindrical, mobile body with a domed top, two articulated arms, and a central vertical lift for handling garments.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Ten thousand cattails were used to create thin vertical rods, which were affixed to the perimeter of an octagonal skylight, creating a chapel with gently undulating walls.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of vertical
Adjective
  • When glycogen stores are low, blood sugar highs and lows feel more extreme, which can be especially challenging for the brain, DeWitt said.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
  • As frozen supply chains continue to expand, autonomous systems designed specifically for extreme environments may become essential rather than optional.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of extreme
Verb
  • Khanna said his office had been flooded with calls and emails as the mixed messaging left many local residents fearful.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Thousands of people and cars will undoubtedly flood the streets, but the self-driving car company has projected confidence.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of flood

Browse Nearby Words

steely
steep
steeped
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Steep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steep. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on steep

Nglish: Translation of steep for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

What does 'etcetera' mean?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Why Is the Letter ‘Z’ Associated With Sleeping?

The Words of the Week - Feb. 13

Why do we call it 'ides of March'?
See More

Popular

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All