as in sword
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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1
as in to inspire
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
hoped that his inspirational talk would steel the youths in the pursuit of their dreams
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to strengthen
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
years of running a farm had steeled the hard-bitten woman
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
he had spent the previous night steeling himself for the moment when he would demand a raise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of steel
Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025
Trump has hit cars and auto parts with a 25% customs tax, and steel and aluminum with a rate double that.
—Arkansas Online, 26 July 2025
Alexander Clausbruch, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
However, after a two-decade-long legal battle, Arizona climbers are steeling themselves for the potential destruction of most of the boulders and hundreds of routes in Oak Flat area.
—Sam MacIlwaine, Outside Online, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Noun
Carney added that some industries — including lumber, steel, aluminum and automobiles — will be harder hit, but said his government will try to minimize the impact and protect Canadian jobs.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025
Trump has hit cars and auto parts with a 25% customs tax, and steel and aluminum with a rate double that.
—Arkansas Online, 26 July 2025
Verb
Amid growing geopolitical tensions and unpredictable politics, the global economy is steeling itself for constant, sudden change.
—Alexander Clausbruch, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
However, after a two-decade-long legal battle, Arizona climbers are steeling themselves for the potential destruction of most of the boulders and hundreds of routes in Oak Flat area.
—Sam MacIlwaine, Outside Online, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
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Now eight years removed from Revenge, Lutz returns to the action genre, albeit of the sword and sorcery variety, in MJ Basset’s Red Sonja.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Aug. 2025
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Take the quiz here … HIDDEN HISTORY – Angler expecting a fish pulls up rare 700-year-old sword instead.—
,
FOXNews.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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His Hulu comedy Chad Powers — inspired by the viral sketch in which Arch's uncle Eli Manning impersonated a walk-on at Penn State — premieres Sept. 30.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Ray Wylie Hubbard, who inspired the song, adds his voice to a verse.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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While Italy aims to strengthen its vital connection to Sicily, China has been systematically building the world's highest bridges.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
6 Aug. 2025
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Honoring my Guatemalan ancestry only strengthens my commitment to America.—
Jenny Goldsberry,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Inspect mature trees with heavy or unbalanced limbs, which should be pruned or supported by cabling or bracing (a service provided by arborists).—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Aug. 2025
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As forecasters and residents in hurricane-prone regions brace for more danger, here's a look back at the destructive power of Hurricane Helene.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Maintaining an open canopy encourages good fruit development and air circulation.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Aug. 2025
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In the comments, other users encourage the man to seek legal action against the woman who posted about him.—
Fortesa Latifi,
Rolling Stone,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But the mood in Israel hardened dramatically when, on July 31, Hamas released a video of the skeletal 21-year-old Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski, weeping and in pain.—
Emily Rose,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
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Coconut oil will harden when cold, leaving you with solid chocolate candy for later.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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These five startups represent a growing movement to fortify human and ecological systems against climate volatility.—
Marianne Lehnis,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Many brands fortify soy milk with additional vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and B12, to boost its nutritional value.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Nobody needed to go into the brush and stir that bear up.—
Howard Copenhaver,
Outdoor Life,
23 Apr. 2025
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In 1970, the average Chinese woman was expected to bear up to six children throughout her lifetime.—
Micah McCartney,
Newsweek,
22 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Steel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steel. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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