steelier; steeliest
1
: resembling or suggesting steel (as in hardness, color, strength, or coldness)
steely determination
steely blue
2
: made of steel
steeliness
noun
Examples of steely in a Sentence
a thief with steely nerves
He had a steely determination to succeed.
She gave him a steely gaze.
a sky filled with steely gray clouds
the judge's steely blue eyes
Recent Examples on the Web
The design references both cultures with steely grays and blues for Chicago’s architecture and lake, and noble flowers such as plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, which show up in the form of art walls and custom cabinetry, as well as decorative accents in the bi-level spa.
—
Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025
These boats sail largely undetected with only the top of the craft visible — often painted, researchers say, in steely blues and grays to blend in with the stormy Atlantic waves and evade surveillance efforts.
—Simon Owen , Greg Palkot, FOXNews.com, 10 Dec. 2025
Her hair, styled by her go-to hairstylist Tokyo Stylez, was deeply parted to one side for a peekaboo effect and to show off the icy blonde roots, which transitioned from a steely baby blue to a dark denim at the ends.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Dec. 2025
Like Frank, she was introduced early in the season as an accomplished, steely professional who gets things done.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steely
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.
Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025
These boats sail largely undetected with only the top of the craft visible — often painted, researchers say, in steely blues and grays to blend in with the stormy Atlantic waves and evade surveillance efforts.
—Simon Owen , Greg Palkot, FOXNews.com, 10 Dec. 2025
Her hair, styled by her go-to hairstylist Tokyo Stylez, was deeply parted to one side for a peekaboo effect and to show off the icy blonde roots, which transitioned from a steely baby blue to a dark denim at the ends.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Dec. 2025
Like Frank, she was introduced early in the season as an accomplished, steely professional who gets things done.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steely
Cite this Entry
“Steely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steely. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
steely
adjective
steelier; steeliest
1
: made of steel
2
: resembling steel (as in hardness or color)
a steely gaze
steeliness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share