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

In the fixed income segment, bond curves should steepen on increased fiscal spending, the global economist says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 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

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