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

Example Sentences

In the U.S., the Treasury curve has more room to steepen relative to bond markets in other countries for a number of reasons, Nakamura said in a phone interview on Friday.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 6, 2026

If both disappoint, expect the curve to steepen further.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

“If we’re right, all that’s going to do is exacerbate inflation further, cause further depreciation of the dollar and steepen the yield curve.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

“The bottom line is that the yield curve continues to steepen, and investors across all asset classes need to think about why,” Slok said in written commentary.

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