steepen

American  

[stee-puhn] / ˈsti pən /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become steeper.

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steepen British  

/ ˈstiːpən /

verb

1. to become or cause to become steep or steeper

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Etymology

Origin of steepen

First recorded in 1840–50; steep ¹ + -en ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

steepen

In a recent report shared with MarketWatch, David Rosenberg, founder of Rosenberg Research, said an expanding term premium is a durable trend that will continue to steepen the yield curve.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 12, 2026

“This will add to the term premium and steepen the yield curve,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026

Nizard also expects that the Treasury yield curve will start to steepen as markets potentially scale back expectations for higher interest rates from the Federal Reserve.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

If both disappoint, expect the curve to steepen further.

From Barron's ● Feb. 6, 2026

When he had gone the better part of a mile into the country, and the road had begun to steepen perceptibly, the sound of a motor behind warned him to one side.

From The Turner Twins by Ralph Henry Barbour

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