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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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 steels

Noun

But while Western knives tend to prioritize durability, many Japanese knife steels prioritize high carbon content for better sharpness and edge retention. — Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 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

No dragons, of course, but plenty of political conniving, clashing swords and last-minute escapes.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
In Westeros, everyone always fights about the Iron Throne—a chair like an iron cowlick, constructed with actual swords seized from vanquished enemies, jutting every which way.

— Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of swords

Verb

Reducing risk over several years not only strengthens your negotiating position but also creates a healthier, more resilient company.

— Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Supporting our employees reduces burnout, improves retention, strengthens decision-making and helps ensure exceptional service for Washington County residents.

— Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of strengthens

Verb

The first two months of summer in western Europe have been the hottest on record, the European Union’s climate monitor said Monday, as the continent grapples with devastating wildfires and braces for yet another heatwave.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Ukraine braces for winter Ukrainian drones hit a Wildberries warehouse in Russia’s Samara region — some 800 km from the front — while a strike on a residential building killed two in Engels, governors said.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of braces

Verb

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
The first ingredient of note is hexanal, which strengthens and hardens nails.

— Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of hardens

Verb

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
The Olive and June product can also be applied daily to bare nails as an intensive strengthening treatment that not only fortifies your claws, but also repairs ridges, discoloration, and pesky peeling along the way.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 3 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of steels

noun

verb

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