STEELS Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

steels 1 of 2

noun

plural of steel

as in swords

a hand weapon with a length of metal sharpened on one or both sides and usually tapered to a sharp point drew steel on the bandits, who immediately fled for their lives

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steels

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of steel

as in inspires

to fill with courage or strength of purpose hoped that his inspirational talk would steel the youths in the pursuit of their dreams

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in strengthens

to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure years of running a farm had steeled the hard-bitten woman

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in braces

to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally he had spent the previous night steeling himself for the moment when he would demand a raise

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of steels

Noun

But stones and steels have their differences and not all of them live up to the hype. — Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 The eye fixed on me, binding me to millions—billions—of other eyes, only steels my resolve to see my sacrifice through to the end. — Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 Following the printing process, the team found that the parts only needed 6 hours or so of treatment, which is a surprise, as typically most high-performance steels need multiple heat treatments to finish. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 Apr. 2026 China’s industrial system is not only vast but deeply integrated, supported by specialty steels, alloys, industrial minerals and advanced materials. — Sahit Muja, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Welsh and Griggs, like most culinary professionals, prefer honing steels and whetstones. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026 Nickel is primarily used to make stainless steel and other alloy steels, as well as batteries. — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025

Verb

In the final clip, Chani steels herself and runs toward an invisible adversary. — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 8 July 2026 In the play’s forthright, direct-to-the-audience expression of political necessity, Susannah Flood is the piece’s avatar of Wohl, but the show’s true essence is embodied by Betsy Aidem, playing a tightly wound housewife, who steels the younger women around her to face the struggle to come. — Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2025 Advertisement While Gaal steels herself, the force that’s stalked her visions finally arrives, stepping into view with the certainty of someone who’s already seen the ending. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 12 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steels

Noun

There were various life-size swords on display, such as the Zenithian sword and the Sword of Light from Dragon Quest XI.

— Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Fans were still filing in, braving 90-degree heat with novelty beer swords in hand, as Maiava moved USC methodically down the field, punching in a one-yard keeper for an early score.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of swords

Verb

Every solution is designed to augment human expertise rather than replace it, ensuring AI strengthens decision-making while maintaining accountability, transparency, and trust.

— Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
The investment also strengthens Winnipeg’s position in a specialized part of the aerospace supply chain.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of strengthens

Verb

Tropical Storm Moke is making its closest approach to Hawaii as the state braces for its second tropical threat in less than a week after deadly Hurricane Lala tore through parts of the islands.

— Tyler Ory, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
News of Formosa’s death comes as Southern California braces for another week of extreme heat that weather forecasters have predicted will be the hottest yet in this already very hot year.

— Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of braces

Verb

This buildup, called plaque, narrows and hardens the arteries, causing health problems.

— Gavin Escott, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Oil prices are ticking up, as Iran hardens its stance over control of the Strait of Hormuz and other demands to end the war, dashing hopes for a quick deal to reopen the waterway.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of hardens

Verb

Defensively, the return of Daley and Wyatt fortifies a line that already had two other starters back in Mario Landino and Tyrique Tucker.

— Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Inside, soy proteins repair and strengthen, copper peptides stimulate keratin production–aka the protein that fortifies and minimizes frizz–and pro-B vitamins amplify fullness.

— Ellie Davis, Vogue, 25 June 2026

Definition of fortifies

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steeling

steels

steely

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“Steels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steels. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of steels

noun

verb

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