Gradual and Steep

Opposite meaning words

Gradual adjective - (of a topographical gradient) not steep or abrupt.

Usage example: a gradual slope

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Steep is an antonym for gradual.

Nearby Words: graduate, gradually, gradation, graduation, gradualism

Steep adjective - Having an incline approaching the perpendicular.

Usage example: a very steep rock face that is nearly impossible to climb

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Gradual is an antonym for steep in topics: sheer, course.

Nearby Words: steeped, steeping, steepness, steeple, steeply

Cite this Source

Steep and Gradual. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/gradual/steep

Gradual & Steep. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/gradual/steep>.

Steep or Gradual. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/gradual/steep.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "gradual" and "steep" have occurred on timeline