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

“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

If both disappoint, expect the curve to steepen further.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 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

Treasury yield curve is expected to steepen significantly in 2026, says BayernLB’s Juergen Michels in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 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