steely
adjective
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Definition of steely
1 : resembling or suggesting steel (as in hardness, color, strength, or coldness) steely determination steely blue
2 : made of steel
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Synonyms & Antonyms for steely
Synonyms
austere, dour, fierce, flinty, forbidding, grim, gruff, intimidating, lowering (also louring), rough, rugged, severe, stark, stern, ungentle
Antonyms
benign, benignant, gentle, mild, tender
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Examples of steely in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Around that time, Mr. Wuorinen was writing dense and steely works like his Piano Variations and String Trio, and had founded the Group for Contemporary Music, one of the earliest American ensembles devoted to modernist works. — New York Times, "He Has Fans, Fame and an Acclaimed ‘Brokeback Mountain’ Opera. So Why Is Charles Wuorinen So Cranky?," 25 May 2018 But his rumpled, eccentric exterior covers a core of steely ambition. — Washington Post, "Regret, relief at departure of Boris Johnson as top UK envoy," 10 July 2018 Brunson is also a good three-point shooter, and his steely on-court demeanor will appeal to teams. — Jeremy Woo, SI.com, "2018 NBA Draft Big Board 7.0: Top 100 Prospects," 24 Apr. 2018 Thus, taking his steely, dual-color stare to an otherworldly new level. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "Happy Birthday, David Bowie! What the Rock Icon Kept in His Makeup Bag," 8 Jan. 2018 Johnson's rumpled, eccentric exterior covers a core of steely ambition. — Fox News, "Regret, relief at departure of Boris Johnson as top UK envoy," 10 July 2018 After the meeting a steely Mrs May said the days of ministerial dissent on Brexit were over. — The Economist, "The biggest risk to Theresa May’s new Brexit plan is not from her party," 8 July 2018 The fast and furious Golden Knights against the skilled and steely Capitals. — Alex Prewitt, SI.com, "How the Roster Decisions of Golden Knights GM George McPhee Color the Stanley Cup Final," 28 May 2018 The result is a record that is steely and composed in its execution. — Britt Julious, chicagotribune.com, "Michael Vallera' s quest for perfect days ends in beauty," 17 May 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'steely.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for steely
steely
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of steely
: very strong and determined often in a cold or unfriendly way
: resembling steel especially in color
See the full definition for steely in the English Language Learners Dictionary
steely
adjective
\
Kids Definition of steely
: like steel (as in hardness, strength, or color) steely eyes
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