1
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
pinned them with a steely gaze and demanded to know what they were doing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gray
of the color gray
steely eyes that are the color of a stormy sky
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of steely
Cordell Walker, a steely-eyed former Marine who dispensed Lone Star justice with roundhouse kicks and a decidedly old-school moral code.
—
Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
Filmmaker Ashley Shanté pitched a Hollywood writers’ room on the idea of adding a character who graduated from a historically Black college or university (HBCU), and was met with steely silence.
—Joshua Alston, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
An armada of steely clouds with coal-black hulls was scudding between the rims, while a wash of pale pigments played across the canyon walls in a way that was entirely unfamiliar to me.
—New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Yet beneath what might seem a meek exterior lies a steely determination.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for steely
Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
Filmmaker Ashley Shanté pitched a Hollywood writers’ room on the idea of adding a character who graduated from a historically Black college or university (HBCU), and was met with steely silence.
—Joshua Alston, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
An armada of steely clouds with coal-black hulls was scudding between the rims, while a wash of pale pigments played across the canyon walls in a way that was entirely unfamiliar to me.
—New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Yet beneath what might seem a meek exterior lies a steely determination.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for steely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steely
Adjective
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As Liborio, an orphan who risked his life to cross the border and ended up living in the attic of a bookstore thanks to the kindness of the gruff owner, Chief (Eddie Marsan), the actor plays a narrator who consistently breaks the fourth wall.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
18 Mar. 2026
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As Woody Harrelson detailed Harrison Ford's accomplishments from the Actors Awards stage, the famously gruff actor seemed to squirm in his seat, somehow uncomfortable with praise even at the age of 83.—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Murray is 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighs 230 pounds, and was last seen wearing a gray shirt, gray sweatpants and black and blue shoes.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
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The majority of the seats are in place, alternated in pink, black, gray and white with some positioned to depict a heron, the team’s mascot.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Some of the movie is an acid satire of pre-wedding rituals — like the first dance that Charlie and Emma are dutifully rehearsing for, with a ridiculously stern taskmaster of a coach.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
31 Mar. 2026
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Born in Michigan, Tolkan served in the Navy before studying at the Actors Studio, eventually becoming Hollywood’s go-to stern authority figure for decades.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The other was that the silver oxide batteries that ran them had the longevity of a peanut at an elephant convention – especially if the watch had an electromechanical analog display with its power-hungry step motor.—
David Szondy
March 28,
New Atlas,
28 Mar. 2026
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Apple runs her high femme little coven out of their store Free Eden with an emphasis on iconic women — the girls confess to their martyr Marilyn Monroe in a dressing room, and practice dark magic with their panties and a silver cowboy boot.—
Katie Walsh,
Boston Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Nothing except getting into fierce arguments with fellow-Jews, some would say, which Olitzky—who has a round, boyish face and a conciliatory manner—portrayed as a privilege rather than a burden.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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With one-of-a-kind offerings from the likes of Inglenook, Crocker & Starr, Amici Cellars, Peju, Long Meadow Ranch, and a collaboration between Dakota Shy and Detert Family Vineyards, bidding was fierce on Cabernet Franc.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Indeed, young women like Alyoshka’s bride may be looking at a grim future, in which their husbands, in accordance with tradition, have the right to ignore or even beat them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
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Can this industry get any more grim?—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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These mid-cut boots deliver, with reliable waterproofing, EVA foam for comfort, and a rugged outsole for go-anywhere durability.—
Lisa Jhung,
Outside,
26 Mar. 2026
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From sleek business-ready designs with built-in charging ports to rugged hiking companions that can weather any adventure, there’s never been a better time to invest in a quality travel backpack.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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As played by John Lithgow, Dahl is an intimidating physical presence, and, as if on the playground, uses this looming quality, along with a facility for language, to intimidate anyone around him.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
24 Mar. 2026
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As trendy as the weight room might be these days, the world of barbells and dumbbells can be a pretty intimidating place.—
Jennifer Heimlich,
SELF,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Steely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steely. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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