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

We were taught by a gruff cockney called Fred Waring, who had participated in the D-Day landings in a regiment that had fought its way across Europe towards Berlin and liberated the concentration camp at Belsen.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
His only hope to get home turns out to be Nick (Kenneth Branagh), a gruff ex-KGB agent who loves American pop culture and is really good in a fight.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

In some of the new villas, christened Le Ville della Marchesa, details include headboards upholstered with the famous Missoni zigzag and bathrooms that combine the original gray marble with the brightness of Vietri.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Willis followed her mother’s lead in a dove-gray Thom Browne skirt suit accented with red-and-white striping.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of gray

Adjective

As the Pacific Princess’ Captain Stubing, Gavin MacLeod played the stern yet beloved authority figure better than many might’ve expected, given how closely he’d become associated with comedy by that point.

— Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2026
The new trailer for Paper Tiger transfers this dynamic onto the scene of a rehabilitation project for New York City’s Gowanus Canal, resulting in far graver consequences than a stern talking-to from mom.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of stern

Adjective

Both individuals then fled in a silver SUV, according to the warrant affidavit.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026
On August 27, thieves made off with almost all of it, leaving behind only a small handful of silver vessels, one bracelet, ornaments, and one of four crowns, thought to have been dropped in their escape.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of silver

Adjective

Economists expect Beijing to lean harder on stimulus to stabilize corporate profitability, as consolidation accelerates in sectors already facing sluggish demand, fierce competition and cutthroat price wars.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
There has been fierce fighting on Yemen's Red Sea coast as government forces attempt to reverse recent Houthi advances.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of fierce

Adjective

Hafley subsequently provided a grim update in his post-game press conference.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026
In their annual pre-training camp news conference at their practice facility Thursday, Pelinka and Redick talked about fictional characters perhaps because the reality is too grim for words.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of grim

Adjective

Next, save 30% on the JBL Grip Bluetooth speaker for rugged outdoor sound.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
International Harvester built the original Scout from 1961 to 1980, establishing its reputation as a rugged, versatile vehicle for off-road and everyday use.

— Chase Jordan October 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of rugged

Adjective

At the peak of the Knights’ best run in program history in the late 2010s, the Acrisure Bounce House became one of the most intimidating stadiums to play in, especially at night.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
Kane and colleagues found that possessing an intimidating size wouldn't guarantee a Venusian moon's survival, either.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of steely

adjective

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