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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of steel
Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 29 Aug. 2025
Notably, the order did not include the 25% tariffs on autos, auto parts, steel or aluminum, which were under a different law, Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025
Erica Pandey, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
Luckily for Diggins, his resolve was steeled from his experiences with discipline in Japan.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Noun
The hefty, sturdy base and natural patina (on the Corten steel option) make this a centerpiece worthy of any backyard.
—Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 29 Aug. 2025
Notably, the order did not include the 25% tariffs on autos, auto parts, steel or aluminum, which were under a different law, Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
Universities are scrambling to steel themselves for an onslaught of investigations.
—Erica Pandey, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
Luckily for Diggins, his resolve was steeled from his experiences with discipline in Japan.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
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That season’s Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest is a local favorite, with sword fights, fire performers, and mermaids drawing families and fantasy lovers to the shore.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
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The action is at at best competent but uninspired, and at worst (such as a sword fight toward the end) choppy and nauseating.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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There’s a sense of ambiguity over whether Ann Lee was divinely inspired or an opportunistic cult leader.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
31 Aug. 2025
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Leaders who share their challenges inspire trust, accelerate team recovery from setbacks and create the foundation of psychological safety needed for sustained success even under intense pressure.—
Dilan Gomih,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Verb
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CIOs are focusing on strategies that improve patient care, streamline operations, and strengthen data security in a digital-first environment.—
David Chou,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
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Rather than redefining love, Frisson aims to make space for it—to help couples notice, share, and strengthen connection in a form that’s thoughtful, personal, and lasting.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Beachfront property owners are bracing Thursday for the worst amid predictions of a storm surge of up to 4 feet and significant coastal erosion.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
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The storm is not expected to make landfall, but coastal areas on the East Coast are bracing for life-threatening storm surges, high wind and 10-to-20-foot waves.—
Cate Martel,
The Hill,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Mark Armstrong: Traveling to a stunningly remote location encourages you to look inward.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
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Nikola’s children leave the country to find work in Germany — this new rural-to-urban migration encourages emigration outright.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Kim and his influential sister, Korean Workers' Party Publicity and Information Department Deputy Director Kim Yo Jong, have only hardened their rhetoric against South Korea in recent years, and the North Korean ruler has simultaneously doubled down on nuclear development.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
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Russia will continue to adapt and harden its facilities, pushing Ukraine to enhance its own long-range strike systems.—
Vikram Mittal,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Tolle’s call-up comes as the Red Sox enter the home stretch of what should be a tight playoff race, and the rookie will be asked to fortify a rotation that has seen its depth heavily depleted by injury.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
28 Aug. 2025
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Hancock, according to the Seattle Times, was due to pitch again Wednesday in the minors but is being called up to fortify a bullpen that’s been taxed on the homestand.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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It can also be used as a bench, bearing up to 355 pounds.—
Caitlyn Martyn
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
11 Aug. 2025
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Harriet remembered there was something: inexpressibly affecting in the aspect of the frail little creature who had done such wonderful things, and who was able to bear up, with so bright an eye and so composed a countenance, under not only such a weight of sorrow, but such a prospect of solitude.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Steel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steel. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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