steep crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving 'steep crossword clue'. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "steep crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HIGH: Often used to describe a sharp incline or elevated position.
5 Letters
SHEER: Implies an extremely steep, almost vertical drop or rise.
ACUTE: Can refer to a sharp, steep angle, often in a mathematical or visual context.
SHARP: Similar to acute, describing a sudden or severe incline.
6 Letters
ABRUPT: Suggests a sudden or sharp change in slope or direction, hence steep.
COSTLY: A common figurative meaning, referring to something very expensive or high in price.
7 Letters
ARDUOUS: Describing something difficult and requiring great effort, often applied to a steep climb.
9 Letters
EXPENSIVE: A common figurative meaning, referring to a high or unreasonable price.
10 Letters
EXORBITANT: Another figurative meaning, describing a price or demand that is excessively high.
11 Letters
PRECIPITOUS: Extremely steep, like a precipice; can also mean hasty or rash.
More About "steep crossword clue"
The word 'steep' is surprisingly versatile in crosswords, often appearing with both its literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it describes a sharp gradient or incline, as in a 'steep hill' or 'steep ascent'. This sense relates to words like HIGH, SHEER, or PRECIPITOUS, which all convey a sense of significant verticality. When encountered in a clue, context often helps determine if the physical or metaphorical meaning is intended.
Figuratively, 'steep' frequently refers to an excessive price or demand, as in 'a steep price' or 'steep learning curve'. Clues hinting at this meaning might lead to answers like EXPENSIVE, COSTLY, or EXORBITANT. Understanding this dual nature is key to tackling clues involving 'steep'. Crossword setters love to play on these multiple interpretations to challenge solvers, making it a classic clue word.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Context: Always look at the surrounding clues and any letters you've already filled in. Is the puzzle about geography or finance? This can guide you towards literal or figurative meanings of 'steep'.
- Think Synonyms: For 'steep', brainstorm words related to inclines (e.g., sharp, sheer, vertical) and also words related to cost (e.g., costly, pricey, exorbitant). This expands your pool of potential answers.
- Check Letter Count: Once you have a few ideas, match them to the required letter count. This is often the quickest way to narrow down possibilities, especially with a versatile word like 'steep'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'steep' usually mean in a crossword?
'Steep' typically refers to a sharp incline or a high, excessive price. The context of the surrounding clues often helps distinguish between these literal and figurative meanings.
How can I tell if 'steep' refers to a hill or a price?
Look for companion words in the clue. Phrases like "hill," "climb," or "descent" point to a physical incline. Words like "cost," "price," "charge," or "expensive" suggest the figurative financial meaning.
Are there any common trick answers for 'steep'?
Not exactly "tricks," but setters often use its versatility. Be prepared for answers like SHEER (for incline) or COSTLY (for price), and remember that seemingly unrelated words might be synonyms for the figurative sense.