as in bastard
a person whose behavior is offensive to others
felt like a heel when she found out that she'd blamed the wrong person
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to slope
to set or cause to be at an angle
the strong gust heeled the sailboat almost to the point of capsizing, but we managed to right it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 heel
Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
The changes come on the heels of a move in July to start service between Fort lauderdale and Norfolk, Virginia, and Tampa.
—Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
Known for its wide toe boxes and zero-drop construction that keeps your heel and toes level, the Lone Peak 9 shoes place your feet in a more natural position than traditional footwear.
—Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025
American Carnage Kirk's killing comes on the heels of two other spams of high-profile public violence that have deepened partisan divides over crime and ideology.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heel
Noun
The 48-year-old tech company’s stock value has doubled year-to-date, and just in the last week, soared by over 30% off the heels of a bullish earnings report.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
The changes come on the heels of a move in July to start service between Fort lauderdale and Norfolk, Virginia, and Tampa.
—Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
Known for its wide toe boxes and zero-drop construction that keeps your heel and toes level, the Lone Peak 9 shoes place your feet in a more natural position than traditional footwear.
—Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025
American Carnage Kirk's killing comes on the heels of two other spams of high-profile public violence that have deepened partisan divides over crime and ideology.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heel
Verb
-
Chaos erupted as people on board had to scramble onto the sloping deck.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Yet the vertical bow, panoramic windows, and sloping stern form a design language instantly recognizable within the superyacht landscape.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Cianfrance supplies a real jerk of a manager in Peter Dinklage’s Mitch, on whom Jeffrey spies by setting up baby monitors in the back office.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Imagine smoky jerk chicken cooked to perfection on an open-flame at a roadside shack, beckoning you to stop by for a mouthwatering bite.—
Martie Bowser,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Democrats nationwide have eyed similar efforts to counteract the opposition’s efforts to further tilt the balance of power in the lower chamber.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
That same year, Swin Cash, then with the New York Liberty, appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, not in her uniform but in a bright red Michael Kors silk chiffon dress, head tilted back and lips slightly parted.—
Leah Asmelash,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Nationally, the most common dog breed is the Labrador retriever, but Arizona has a different favorite.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
This double-wide camp chair is quilted and comfortable, with durable 600D polyester fabric that holds up to weather, spills, and even a slobbery dog (or two) climbing aboard.—
Francesca Krempa,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Given the price surge in the wide receiver market over the last couple of years, Meyers — who had never logged 1,000 yards in five seasons before 2024 — may be angling for a contract Las Vegas is not willing to pay.—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Two angled full-range drivers create a wide, natural soundstage that feels far bigger than the slim frame suggests.—
Shubham Yewale,
PC Magazine,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The sheriff threatens to arrest Morticia on account of aiding and abetting a murderer, but Gomez points out that these clowns (the cops) abandoned Nevermore to protect Normies at Pilgrim World.—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
3 Sep. 2025
-
While the film wasn't a hit with critics or audiences, Gaga nonetheless had some eye-popping looks on the press tour, sporting bold red hair and clown-like attire to evoke the comic chaos of her character.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Victims of a snake bite are advised not to try to remove the venom themselves or to tie off the bite area.—
Latoya Gayle,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The former enslaved told stories of Laveau dancing with snakes and fish, her movements blending her feminine form with the aquatic.—
Time,
Time,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Around 75% of Americans are exposed to raccoons, skunks and foxes — the very wildlife that commonly spread the fatal disease to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The skunk with distemper is stuck in the window well again, chewing incessantly on the garden hose that is coiled up in there.—
Miriam Toews
September 3,
Literary Hub,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Heel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heel. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share