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
David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
But there should be, so Bernard Williams built them out of plywood and steel, in the form of a full-scale airplane, race car and tractor.
—Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
But the rattling experience steeled the Montana native against the tumult caused last week by President Trump’s announcement of steep global tariffs.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Noun
The United States maintains a 10% universal tariff on most goods coming into the country, and Trump just doubled tariffs on steel and aluminum this week.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
But there should be, so Bernard Williams built them out of plywood and steel, in the form of a full-scale airplane, race car and tractor.
—Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
Verb
The squeamish will need to steel themselves for Warfare.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
But the rattling experience steeled the Montana native against the tumult caused last week by President Trump’s announcement of steep global tariffs.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
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My comment back then to Tom was, But the Chinese don’t have samurai swords?—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
11 June 2025
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As for weapons, knives and swords of varying types were the ones most frequently used, accounting for 68 percent of all the murders.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
Verb
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However, it’s inspired a trend that has been adopted by some of soccer’s biggest names — and sometimes, champagne isn’t even involved.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
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Fat Kahuna’s is another beloved spot for creative seafood inspired by Hawaii, like Macadamia Nut Encrusted Mahi Mahi.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
Verb
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The first print edition of Robb Report en Español will debut in Spain later this year, further strengthening the brand’s presence in Europe.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
9 June 2025
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Below, the members of Rolling Stone Culture Council share the best ways brands can rebuild credibility and strengthen their image after public criticism.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2025
Verb
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Some of the nation’s leading tourist destinations, including Orlando, Miami and Los Angeles, are bracing for how the decline will impact businesses that rely on spending from international travelers.—
Jason Carroll,
CNN Money,
7 June 2025
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Analysts were bracing for a weaker result that would reflect the impact of Trump’s tariff policies, and other signs of a potentially slowing economy.—
Kevin Breuninger,Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Trump reportedly encouraged Vance to strike a diplomatic tone publicly.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
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Musk, who spent almost $300 million on last year’s election, had also encouraged the primarying of lawmakers who voted for it.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Remember, this isn’t about gaming the system—you’re hardening your company.—
Gabriel Labrada,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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Wilders last week held a rare, formal press conference to present the government with an ultimatum for hardening the country’s asylum policy – despite the fact that the minister for asylum and migration is a member of his own party.—
Mick Krever,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Ureña, a hard-throwing right-hander who was signed on Tuesday to help fortify a bullpen that has been ravaged by injuries, replaced Dreyer with a runner on first and one out in the sixth and gave up a single to Pete Alonso.—
Mike Digiovanna,
Oc Register,
5 June 2025
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Bristol Myers Squibb on Monday made a splashy move to fortify its drug pipeline.—
Natasha Abellard,
CNBC,
2 June 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 17 Jun. 2025.
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