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 grey
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
An underused Baranski delivers her usual dazzle as Victoria, and Kidman once again commits fully to the steely Russian enigma known as Masha.
—
Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 19 May 2025
Then came the Ravel, played with a steely determination to get through the not-ideal circumstances.
—Anastasia Tsioulcas, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Even with his steely determination, Fitzpatrick knows that Scheffler is a different beast when he's locked in.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
Not so in Greta Gerwig’s spirited retelling, in which she’s played with steely determination by Laura Dern.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for steely
Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 19 May 2025
Then came the Ravel, played with a steely determination to get through the not-ideal circumstances.
—Anastasia Tsioulcas, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Even with his steely determination, Fitzpatrick knows that Scheffler is a different beast when he's locked in.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
Not so in Greta Gerwig’s spirited retelling, in which she’s played with steely determination by Laura Dern.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for steely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steely
Adjective
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Peter Capaldi - Twelfth Doctor From 2014-2017, a gruff and action-ready Peter Capaldi shredded an electric guitar through the TARDIS.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
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Over a four-decade career that began with a role on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Lyonne has become known for portraying characters that are gruff but likable, hard-nosed but sympathetic.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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The dour, grey mood of the show is lightened by plenty of moments of humor.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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Brand, 49, was arraigned at Southwark Crown Court in London at 10.30 a.m. local time on Friday, May 30, wearing dark sunglasses, a grey suit and an unbuttoned shirt.—
Phil Boucher,
People.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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The flybridge has a reverse radar arch that prompts a double take, while the remainder of the exterior focuses on open space (case in point, the foredeck), along with the beautiful design of the cockpit and stern area.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
28 May 2025
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And, Boeing would have had to submit to a Justice Department—appointed compliance monitor, with the independence and power to impose stern safety reforms.—
Charles Tiefer,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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Snag it in three colors — blue, back, or gray — to match your existing decor.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
People.com,
7 June 2025
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Witnesses described him as a white male with salt-and-pepper hair, driving a silver or gray Chevy Malibu.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The feedback was fierce—storyboards dismantled, ideas shredded—but the environment was psychologically safe.—
Ann Kowal Smith,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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Caron was used to seeing my fiery side, the fierce competitor, the demanding coach.—
Jim Calhoun with Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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One remarkable find stood out from all the rest: a collection of ancient silver treasures.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2025
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The silver vehicle then hit the 84-year-old woman, who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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After trading away star guard Luka Doncic for big man Anthony Davis, many saw Dallas as a team with a grim outlook for the future.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
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As Read walked to the bench with her legal team, Peggy O'Keefe, seated every day front and center, gave the defendant a grim look, video shows.—
Michael Ruiz , Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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The image of a bourbon drinker has too often been that of a white cis male and his friends hanging out in rugged environments.—
Diana Lambdin Meyer,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
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More than 100 officers are involved in the search covering rugged terrain in Washington's Cascade Mountains, with over 500 tips received from the public, according to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Steely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steely. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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