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
His glare was still there, steely and intentional.
—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
28 May 2026
Operational secrecy was preserved with steely discipline, and Israel was utterly deceived and taken by surprise.
—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2026
To browse her collections is to be confronted with the full spectrum of colors offered by the gem, from vibrant gold and soft lavender, to steely grey and rich plum.
—
Kate Matthams,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
The sluggish living makes sense for steely behemoths that live comfortably into their 200s and possible to 400 or more.
—
Jeanna Bryner,
Scientific American,
4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for steely
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
28 May 2026
Operational secrecy was preserved with steely discipline, and Israel was utterly deceived and taken by surprise.
—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2026
To browse her collections is to be confronted with the full spectrum of colors offered by the gem, from vibrant gold and soft lavender, to steely grey and rich plum.
—
Kate Matthams,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
The sluggish living makes sense for steely behemoths that live comfortably into their 200s and possible to 400 or more.
—
Jeanna Bryner,
Scientific American,
4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for steely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steely
Adjective
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But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.
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Platner, a gruff 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran, is trying to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins with a platform of economic populism, universal health care, labor protections, and anti-interventionism.
Adjective
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One who can tip the scales and slide white to gray and gray to felony.
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In fall, the panicles dry on the plant and can be a source of interest even in the gray winter.
Adjective
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Judges have to throw the book at those arrested to teach them a stern lesson.
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However, for students graduating right now, Hammer can't really summon up anything stern to say.
Adjective
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Many of them are variations on the amount of silver in the leaves, or the pattern the silver coloration makes.
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The silver thatch palm, indeginous to Cayman, was twisted by hand into rope that would not rot in saltwater, traded with passing ships for flour and salt and essentials the islands could not produce.
Adjective
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Despite a few glimmers of good feeling, today's fierce political divisions have redefined a milestone that has often been marked by unity and optimism, at least for a moment.
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An uncontained blaze in Utah’s Juab County has scorched 34 square miles, forcing the evacuation of Eureka and nearby ranches as firefighters race to shield homes amid fierce winds.
Adjective
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Located at an altitude of about 27,000 feet, Tshiring said the remains have become a grim waypoint for climbers ascending from the Tibetan side of the iconic mountain.
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The heroic death plays out almost as a footnote in an otherwise grim day at sea.
Adjective
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In the midst of the rugged match, Sweden lost one of its top players to a non-contact injury.
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The search for Gracie the giraffe, missing in Texas, hit its two-week mark on June 25 as the manager of her ranch is continuing to scour rugged terrain from the ground and sky.
Adjective
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The caps, made from real bear skin, are a distinctive part of the military uniform, designed to make troops appear taller and more intimidating.
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The one witness everyone in the courtroom remembers was Watkins, an intimidating presence with the build of an NFL defensive tackle.
Cite this Entry
“Steely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steely. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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