steepen

American  

[stee-puhn] / ˈsti pən /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become steeper.

---

steepen British  

/ ˈstiːpən /

verb

1. to become or cause to become steep or steeper

---

Etymology

Origin of steepen

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

steepen

Treasury yields rose, driven by the long-end of the curve, causing the yield curve to steepen.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

“If that doesn’t happen, traders will conclude that the Fed is falling behind,” and the yield curve, already a concern for many, could steepen further.

From Barron's ● May 18, 2026

Jefferies continues to expect the gilt yield curve to steepen, whereby the gap between short and long-term yields would widen.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 10, 2026

Perhaps most concerning of all, 30-year yields have been rising faster than 10-year yields, causing the Treasury yield curve to steepen.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 10, 2025

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 Barbour, Ralph Henry