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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of steel
ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
Huang said the technology will boost skilled trade work, such as for plumbers, electricians, construction, and steel workers.
—Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 23 Feb. 2026
Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
Resolve suddenly became steeled.
—CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for steel
Noun
Thus, mannequins will feature heads with polished steel surfaces — as in mirrors – designed by artist Samar Hejazi.
—ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
Huang said the technology will boost skilled trade work, such as for plumbers, electricians, construction, and steel workers.
—Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
Some of it is gut feeling based the maniacal want Cristobal has steeled in his players.
—Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
Resolve suddenly became steeled.
—CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for steel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
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Carlo’s friend Rodrigo persuades him to take up the Flemish cause with Philip, leading to a sword-threatening confrontation.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Feb. 2026
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According to Textron Systems, the loitering munition, ominously named after the Damocles of the Ancient Greek parable of the dangling sword, enables top-attack capabilities with its VTOL configuration.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The cream contains a unique NCEF formula inspired by ingredients in cosmetic injectables.—
Cathy Nelson,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Some way short of the 467 made by his idol Vitor Baia, the Champions League-winning goalkeeper who inspired him to wear No 99 on his back, but hefty nonetheless.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Infused with nourishing tsubaki meadow oil, texturizing pink salt, and a plant blend of kale, carrot, and lemon extracts that, together, strengthen and add moisture, this featherlight formula hydrates, de-frizzes, and disappears upon contact—though the results stick around for hours.—
Michelle Rostamian,
Allure,
27 Feb. 2026
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Pozzo joined as deputy CEO in July 2025, alongside a 25-million-euro capital increase to strengthen the balance sheet and support the company’s strategic reset.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Hinkson said the city is also bracing to feel the impact of the Metroplex’s rocketing growth, particularly as Fort Worth expands westward along the I-20 corridor.—
Emily Brindley,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Feb. 2026
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The city’s most popular beaches, Clifton and Camps Bay, are a short drive away for those prepared to brace the brisk Atlantic waters; yoga teachers can be brought in on demand.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Paramount’s pressure campaign had been relentless, first winning over theater owners, who expressed alarm over Netflix’s business model that encourages consumers to watch movies in their homes.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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The difficulty is that their price tags do not encourage patience from supporters.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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DeJan was dispatched to Shaffner-Heaney Associates in South Bend, Indiana, in the spring of 2023 to manage the Scrabble board of letters from the speech, made of high performance concrete letters hardened in fiberglass molds.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
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While Britain's major political parties, including the hard-right Reform UK, refuse to engage with Robinson, protests linked to the activist and his associates have become a common sight in British cities amid hardening public views on immigration.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Nels have hired private security guards and fortified their property with electric fences and cameras.—
Anderson Cooper,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
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Iran already appears to be preparing for this option by fortifying its defenses around its nuclear assets, satellite images from Vantor indicate.—
Nancy A. Youssef,
The Atlantic,
21 Feb. 2026
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 2 Mar. 2026.
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