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 Nikel, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
But the prevailing auditory sense that stands out in memory is an uncanny calmness, met by a student trapped inside, alive and aware, who cut through the stillness to comfort his peers while their fates remained sealed between earth and steel.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
Jim Cramer, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026
Ellison’s advisers were steeling for at least four more days of hard work.
—Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for steel
Noun
They are prefabricated modules, often described as steel boxes, constructed off-site and slotted into the ship during assembly.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
But the prevailing auditory sense that stands out in memory is an uncanny calmness, met by a student trapped inside, alive and aware, who cut through the stillness to comfort his peers while their fates remained sealed between earth and steel.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
Verb
So, once again, steel yourself.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026
Ellison’s advisers were steeling for at least four more days of hard work.
—Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for steel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
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An altercation outside of a Venice apartment complex led to an attack with a samurai sword.—
Deborah Vankin,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
-
In Boston, on the same weekend, officers shot and killed a man in the Fenway neighborhood after police say the man attacked first responders with a sword.—
Louisa Moller,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
Verb
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While Kendrick Lamar was conquering the hip-hop world, Rashad was honing an introspective style inspired by Southern hip-hop pioneers like Lil Wayne and OutKast.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
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And, if bright white pants aren’t your thing, keep reading for off-white styles inspired by Martha Stewart and Joanna Gaines.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Kennedy said removing tariffs would reduce friction for importers, distributors and independent bottlers sourcing stock from Scotland, while also strengthening long-term confidence across the industry.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
9 May 2026
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Our task is to rebuild and to strengthen the rule of law, the checks and balances.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Amid the warmth and humor of her portrait of teenagehood, Smith is touching on a cold and bracing thing.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
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Although much of Hollywood is bracing for AI to hollow out jobs, Erwin argues that AI can return at least some production jobs that have been outsourced.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Lawyer Steve Oshins told Inside Wealth that QSBS laws and other tax proposals aimed at the wealthy encourage high earners to move to other states.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
8 May 2026
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This easy London broil recipe relies on a savory marinade with a small amount of baking soda to help tenderize the meat and encourage browning.—
Zaynab Issa,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Scores of hardened, dangerous criminals are being paroled every year thanks to the Massachusetts Parole Board appointed by liberal Democrat Maura Healey.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
14 May 2026
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The process relies on urushi, a natural lacquer derived from tree sap that hardens over time into a durable, food-safe coating.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Infusing this with her music has fortified her place in pop.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2026
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Together, those ingredients restore, firm, and fortify every inch of you.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
8 May 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 15 May. 2026.
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