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steely

adjective

ˈstē-lē How to pronounce steely (audio)
Definition of steelynext
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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of steely With a steely disposition, Dikha is seen in the videos standing at the very front of a thin boat, executing a repetitive series of dance moves as a line of rowers propel them through a river. — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 The tough, steely competence of Anne Hathaway—the sense that her characters could shoulder the weight of the world, without complaint and on short notice—has been one of the more welcome recurring spectacles of this moviegoing year. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 The warts-and-all approach gives the film its steely edge and its steady insight. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 D’Arcy closes the window with an air of steely resolve, and in doing so declares the Rhaenyra who might have mourned her half-sister as dead and gone. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steely
  1. gruff
  2. gray
  3. stern
  4. silver
  5. fierce
  6. grim
  7. rugged
  8. intimidating
Adjective
  • We were taught by a gruff cockney called Fred Waring, who had participated in the D-Day landings in a regiment that had fought its way across Europe towards Berlin and liberated the concentration camp at Belsen.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
  • His only hope to get home turns out to be Nick (Kenneth Branagh), a gruff ex-KGB agent who loves American pop culture and is really good in a fight.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • At the scene Friday night, a gray electric Citi Bike could be seen lodged beneath the wheels of a truck belonging to Badger Daylighting, a company specializing in hydrovac excavation whose NYC headquarters are located in the Bronx.
    — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Trotter’s husband, a farmer, was to block traffic by driving ahead in their gray pickup truck; their five-year-old son and infant daughter were along for the ride.
    — Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of gray
Adjective
  • The new trailer for Paper Tiger transfers this dynamic onto the scene of a rehabilitation project for New York City’s Gowanus Canal, resulting in far graver consequences than a stern talking-to from mom.
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Safety researchers have resigned from major companies and issued stern warnings that the advanced technology could pose a risk to the human race, and politicians from across the political spectrum have called for action.
    — Kevin Collier, NBC news, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • An ample deck was constructed of Brazilian ipe, which has weathered naturally to a silver-gray hue, and a custom stainless-steel hot tub sits slightly above the ground, with sweeping views over Glen Canyon Park.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Photos posted by Cal Fire of the incident showed a silver SUV that had crashed through a window and wood facade next to the front door of the business.
    — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of silver
Adjective
  • Given the fierce competition to attract international productions, does SETT also represent a shift from attracting productions to supporting globally competitive Spanish companies that own intellectual property and can export it to the world?
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • In Season 3, David’s transformation from outcast shepherd to fierce warrior to chosen King is finally complete.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • Now life was like that; some days fine and firm and full of whatever, while other days the hoarse bark of the neighbors’ dog or a friend’s grim diagnosis and her body succumbed to an emotional gravity that pulled her into a free fall.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The term is a grim irony because, from the vantage point of history, the body of law most relevant to the robot-category problem is that of slavery, which borrowed from laws relating to horses and other livestock.
    — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of grim
Adjective
  • Available in a dozen colors, this jacket has a timeless but rugged style and features four pockets for your essentials.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
  • From the charming courtyards and upscale fashion boutiques tucked behind Worth Avenue to the rugged majesty of Jupiter’s inlets, the region is a playground for the curious traveler.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of rugged
Adjective
  • At the peak of the Knights’ best run in program history in the late 2010s, the Acrisure Bounce House became one of the most intimidating stadiums to play in, especially at night.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Kane and colleagues found that possessing an intimidating size wouldn't guarantee a Venusian moon's survival, either.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of intimidating

Browse Nearby Words

steels
steely
steep
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Cite this Entry

“Steely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steely. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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