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 Fly’s brand of rap, defined by spare, steely 808 beats and club shoutouts, was wildly popular, spawning nearly 50 mixtape volumes and many more songs since. — Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026 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 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
  • Defying the old-school stereotype of the hard-nosed, gruff newspaper boss, Vaughn often mentored young reporters in a serious but friendly and encouraging manner.
    — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Over three decades in stand-up comedy, Bill Burr has gained a reputation for saying, with gruff conviction and political fire, the thing on everyone’s mind.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • At Cucinelli, a designer walked us through the intricate construction of a fine-wale double-breasted gray suit whose ribs appeared in two subtly different shades.
    — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Now pink, brown, green and gray are turning up in sleep apps, audiology offices and bedtime routines, along with a few less familiar hues further out on the spectrum.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of gray
Adjective
  • Below is Jordan — bearded, stern, and wearing a leather jacket — as Det.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Preliminary information indicates that the explosion occurred near the vessel’s stern deck, resulting in limited damage, a police spokesperson said in a statement.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • The actress wore a custom design by Prada — a soft silver-gray gown with a sheer black over lay at the bust that cascaded down Balfe’s back to create a short train.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Popular comedian Antonis Kanakis poked fun at the 57-year-old’s flamboyant outfits in a skit posted online, donning a black wig and shimmering silver dress with a pink feather boa.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of silver
Adjective
  • In the aftermath of City being found guilty of a raft of financial breaches another fierce welcome was expected.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Her fierce survival instincts see her turn the tables on them, transforming their hunt into her own cat-and-mouse game.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • The interior drew its own grim commentary—a few guests expressed feeling a sudden compulsion to jump from the top of the spiral ramp to their death.
    — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Footage obtained exclusively by CNN and testimony from those who were on the mountain paint a more detailed picture than before of Morup, the man who died serving his country and is now the goal of one of mountaineering’s grimmest challenges.
    — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of grim
Adjective
  • Christened Invision, the 328-footer is designed as a rugged, bluewater cruiser with a superyacht’s style, comfort, and finish.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Mage was ready to overlook anything—the minuscule bedrooms, the historical restrictions, the rugged location that puts it at a high fire risk—for the light.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of rugged
Adjective
  • The result is a more intimidating cousin of last season’s leopard obsession, with enough personality to make even the simplest outfit look considerably more interesting.
    — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Eli Manning spent 16 seasons staring down some of the NFL's most intimidating defensive players.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 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 18 Oct. 2026.

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