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
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Recent Examples of steel
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2025
Glencore’s move follows plans by steel maker ArcelorMittal to cut as many as 4,000 jobs in South Africa.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Todd Harmonson, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
Because the World Cup will be played in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, those countries have been spared an arduous qualifying competition — tense games that would have steeled them for the tournament ahead.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Noun
The circular plan includes three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, one half bathroom, a curved stainless-steel kitchen, a dining room, a spacious living area, and a circular library and office.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2025
Glencore’s move follows plans by steel maker ArcelorMittal to cut as many as 4,000 jobs in South Africa.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Get hammered to steel your nerves.
—Todd Harmonson, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
Because the World Cup will be played in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, those countries have been spared an arduous qualifying competition — tense games that would have steeled them for the tournament ahead.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
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With vocals and synths inspired by Celtic traditions and bagpipes, Griffin uses a sword, the Scottish Claymore, as a personal logo symbolizing resilience and the warrior spirit.—
Nadja Sayej,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Clowns entertain crowds at local fairs by twisting skinny balloons into poodles and swords.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Zaldivar said in an age where more people are turning away from their faith, the declaration of the young saints is inspiring to many Catholics looking towards the future of the church.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
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Ina Garten’s Outrageous Brownies came extremely close to being as epic as Mom’s, which inspired me to dive deeper into the archives to see if Barefoot Contessa had any other brilliant brownie recipes.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But there is really no reason why this should be the case for Pilates—which consists of different low-impact movements to strengthen your core muscles, increase your flexibility, improve your posture and give you more awareness of your body in general.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Wieffer was bought to strengthen Brighton in the centre of the pitch following the summer 2023 sales of Moises Caicedo to Chelsea and Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Windy City has prepared for more than a week for looming National Guard deployments and Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, from the governor bracing for a court fight to parade planners postponing.—
Priscilla Alvarez,
CNN Money,
8 Sep. 2025
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Lucid Motors As luxury electric vehicle company Lucid Motors prepares to launch its Gravity SUV in Europe, interim CEO Marc Winterhoff is bracing for a fast-approaching deadline in the United States and laying out his strategy for dealing with its after-effects.—
Ed Garsten,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In interviews, real estate lawyers said that mortgage lenders are typically well aware of their clients’ other loans and sometimes even encourage the primary-residence language for second homes.—
Robert Faturechi,
ProPublica,
6 Sep. 2025
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Participants are encouraged to bring sleeping bags and food.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But as Beijing hardens its ties with Russia, North Korea and other nations unfriendly to the West, the emergence of two camps and the contest between them appears clearer than ever.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
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Veith realized this reversible property, known as shear thickening, could be used to create a protective additive that instantly hardens under impact, dramatically reducing the risk of fires in lithium-ion batteries.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Trying to stay ahead of the game, for Dick’s the acquisition of Foot Locker also fortifies relationships with Nike and Adidas, which still dominate global footwear sales, and gives Dick’s negotiating leverage.—
Mark Faithfull,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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In the ultra-competitive Western Conference, the purple and gold will be looking to continue fortifying their roster, likely through the start of the regular season, with the trade deadline of February 6th circled on their calendar.—
Gabe Smallson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 2025.
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