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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of steel
Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 14 May 2025
But tariffs on steel, aluminum and cars have remained.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
That honest exchange between talented teammates steeled the Bruins for the road ahead, for taking down the Trojans in the Big Ten Tournament championship game.
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Noun
Relentless pressure Control of Donbas – the site of some of Ukraine’s largest coal reserves and steel plants – has long been a strategic goal for Russia.
—Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 14 May 2025
But tariffs on steel, aluminum and cars have remained.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Verb
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
That honest exchange between talented teammates steeled the Bruins for the road ahead, for taking down the Trojans in the Big Ten Tournament championship game.
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
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With swords precariously dangling above them, the witches have to place a selection of tarot cards in a specific order.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
19 May 2025
-
Compared to most of the other books on this list, this one is less sad lady knight, more hilarious and competent princess with a sword.—
Caitlin Starling,
People.com,
19 May 2025
Verb
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The ocean-facing 156-seat restaurant, which includes an eight-seat sushi bar and 12-seat pagoda bar, serves signature dishes such as black cod with iso squid pasta and A5 Wagyu steak, as well as locally inspired dishes including lobster truffle tempura and beef kushiyaki skewers.—
Pamela Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 May 2025
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Consider trying one of these luxurious neck-tie blouses inspired by celebrities, below.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
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The Coursera report found that 96% of employers agree that micro-credentials strengthen a candidate's job application, and 85% are more likely to hire a candidate with a micro-credential than one without.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
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Which areas are Spurs likely to want to strengthen this summer?—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Other venues, most notably the 90,000-capacity Rose Bowl, are braced for lots of empty seats.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
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The National Weather Service said residents in Kentucky, southern Indiana, southern Illinois and parts of Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas and Ohio should brace for intense storms that could include baseball-sized hail.—
Michael Phillis,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2025
Verb
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Goolsbee’s remarks suggest he’s encouraged by the trade truce with China, a separate 90-day pause on double-digit tariffs on other nations, and soft inflation readings for both March and April.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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Trump was in the Middle Eastern country Tuesday along with several tech CEO’s to encourage further investment.—
Jenny Goldsberry,
The Washington Examiner,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Related article Ships, sea drones and AI: How NATO is hardening its defense of critical Baltic undersea cables CNN was not able to locate the registered owner of the Jaguar for comment.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
20 May 2025
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These devices must be hardened against attackers seeking stealthy persistence.—
Yuriy Bulygin,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
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It is then fermented into a sweet wine, usually fortified.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
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Each mirror panel captures the body mid-process—being measured, considered, and eventually fortified.—
Skylar Mitchell,
Essence,
12 May 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 27 May. 2025.
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