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

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

It will likely steepen competition between banks and their private competitors, although the two are increasingly intertwined as banks have lent those funds billions of dollars.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 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