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

Such commitments could steepen the path to profitability for the new arrivals, in a market where financial success is still largely determined by raking in advertising sales.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

If both disappoint, expect the curve to steepen further.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

Hassett is seen to be an advocate of much looser monetary policy and consequently three-quarters of fund managers reckon yield curves will steepen in the next year.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 16, 2025

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