STEELY Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

steely

adjective

ˈstē-lē

Definition of steely

as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance pinned them with a steely gaze and demanded to know what they were doing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gray

of the color gray steely eyes that are the color of a stormy sky

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 steely Fly’s brand of rap, defined by spare, steely 808 beats and club shoutouts, was wildly popular, spawning nearly 50 mixtape volumes and many more songs since. — Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026 With a steely disposition, Dikha is seen in the videos standing at the very front of a thin boat, executing a repetitive series of dance moves as a line of rowers propel them through a river. — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 The warts-and-all approach gives the film its steely edge and its steady insight. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 D’Arcy closes the window with an air of steely resolve, and in doing so declares the Rhaenyra who might have mourned her half-sister as dead and gone. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steely

Adjective

Defying the old-school stereotype of the hard-nosed, gruff newspaper boss, Vaughn often mentored young reporters in a serious but friendly and encouraging manner.

— Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
Over three decades in stand-up comedy, Bill Burr has gained a reputation for saying, with gruff conviction and political fire, the thing on everyone’s mind.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

Video of the incident obtained by CBS News showed a group of around 20 masked men clad in black or gray clothes descending a hill from the area of an Israeli settlement outpost into an olive grove near the Palestinian village of Abu Falah.

— Dov Lieber, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Yellow police tape cordoned off the property, where several vehicles were parked in the driveway, including a white Toyota SUV, a gray BMW SUV and a black Range Rover.

— Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of gray

Adjective

Below is Jordan — bearded, stern, and wearing a leather jacket — as Det.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
Preliminary information indicates that the explosion occurred near the vessel’s stern deck, resulting in limited damage, a police spokesperson said in a statement.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of stern

Adjective

The actress wore a custom design by Prada — a soft silver-gray gown with a sheer black over lay at the bust that cascaded down Balfe’s back to create a short train.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Popular comedian Antonis Kanakis poked fun at the 57-year-old’s flamboyant outfits in a skit posted online, donning a black wig and shimmering silver dress with a pink feather boa.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of silver

Adjective

His successor, Bennett, had been among its fiercest critics, raising the prospect that the arrangement might finally end.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
The deadly fire erupted Saturday at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, where fierce winds fueled flames that spread beyond the installation and into surrounding rural areas.

— Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of fierce

Adjective

The interior drew its own grim commentary—a few guests expressed feeling a sudden compulsion to jump from the top of the spiral ramp to their death.

— Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
Footage obtained exclusively by CNN and testimony from those who were on the mountain paint a more detailed picture than before of Morup, the man who died serving his country and is now the goal of one of mountaineering’s grimmest challenges.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of grim

Adjective

Christened Invision, the 328-footer is designed as a rugged, bluewater cruiser with a superyacht’s style, comfort, and finish.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026
Mage was ready to overlook anything—the minuscule bedrooms, the historical restrictions, the rugged location that puts it at a high fire risk—for the light.

— Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of rugged

Adjective

The result is a more intimidating cousin of last season’s leopard obsession, with enough personality to make even the simplest outfit look considerably more interesting.

— Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Eli Manning spent 16 seasons staring down some of the NFL's most intimidating defensive players.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of intimidating

Browse Nearby Words

steels

steely

steep

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“Steely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steely. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of steely

adjective

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