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
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Recent Examples of steel
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Despite a 10% universal tariff that remains in place, in addition to 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum, and 25% tariffs on autos and auto parts, markets have largely looked past trade in recent weeks, focusing instead on other reasons for optimism or concern.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 June 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
Featuring high-carbon, stain-resistant Japanese steel, these knives have edges that are extremely easy to maintain and sharpen.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Despite a 10% universal tariff that remains in place, in addition to 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum, and 25% tariffs on autos and auto parts, markets have largely looked past trade in recent weeks, focusing instead on other reasons for optimism or concern.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 June 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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While the show allows a myriad of exciting and enticing props — like swords, animals and fire — they all must be approved by producers beforehand for safety purposes.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
24 June 2025
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In some cases, swords were tossed into bodies of water after their owners died.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Glad My Mom Died, a dramedy inspired by Jennette McCurdy’s bestselling memoir of the same name with Jennifer Aniston set to star and executive produce.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
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Instead, the character inspired by her own love story is played by Hacks star Megan Stalter, with a cast of up-and-comers rounding out the ensemble of the Netflix comedy-drama that’s sure to generate plenty of conversation.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
Verb
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The United States partners with the Government of Nigeria to strengthen Nigeria’s counterterrorism capabilities, working together toward the elimination of terrorist organizations and their networks of support.—
Paul Tilsley,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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Forecasters have warned that Flossie, which strengthened to become a tropical storm on June 29, could become a hurricane within days.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Born into the cult, Prophet draws comparisons between the group’s apocalyptic dogma (braced for a Soviet nuclear strike, the church built extensive Montana bomb shelters in the early 1990s), and Christian Nationalism, QAnon and the MAGA movement.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Colorado’s health department is bracing for several layoffs early next month for workers focused on cancer and heart disease prevention, thanks to the apparent loss of nearly $2 million in federal grant funding and the state’s own bleak fiscal outlook.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Individuals with minimal previous experience but a passion to work for positive change are encouraged to apply.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2025
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The return of blue-book exams might disadvantage students who were encouraged to master typing at a young age.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Tehran's rejection shows that U.S. pressure has hardened its stance, narrowing oversight after damage to its nuclear sites and suspended inspections.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
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Many had been taught to feel shame in Native culture and language at Indian boarding schools; others had been hardened by prison stints or by the harsh realities of urban poverty.—
Nick Estes,
New Yorker,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Following the January departure of Flos B&B Italia’s chief executive officer, luxury veteran Daniel Lalonde, its new management has been focused on fortifying each firm in its portfolio before selling them off.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
1 July 2025
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But with the move into Texas, the conference took a small but significant step to fortifying itself for the next round of realignment chaos.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 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 8 Jul. 2025.
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