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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of steely
Ono’s particular combination of steely purpose, cathartic sound, gentle tenacity and obstinate positivity still has resistance at its core — and that can’t please everybody.
—
Jon Pareles, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
The latter holds the undisputed crown and tends to be used in dry and steely wines, although even those with a little sweetness still have enough acidity to get your pulse racing.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025
This new track brims with confidence and steely determination.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2025
An outgoing, flirty foil to Ellie’s brusque, steely demeanor, Dina’s playful banter with her pal is laced with the charge of friendly conversation that could tip into romantic intimacy on a dime.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steely
Jon Pareles, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
The latter holds the undisputed crown and tends to be used in dry and steely wines, although even those with a little sweetness still have enough acidity to get your pulse racing.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025
This new track brims with confidence and steely determination.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2025
An outgoing, flirty foil to Ellie’s brusque, steely demeanor, Dina’s playful banter with her pal is laced with the charge of friendly conversation that could tip into romantic intimacy on a dime.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steely
Adjective
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The rest of the film takes place in a prison, where Henry’s gruff but philosophical cellmate, Gene (Shia LaBeouf), tries to teach him the ways of the world.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
30 Apr. 2025
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Fimmel digs into the more stereotypical gruff bounty hunter with relish, though the character itself is a western staple.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, Harry was less committed in a grey sweater and blazer.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
10 May 2025
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Troopers began to patrol I-95 South in attempts to locate the grey Jeep bearing Rhode Island registration plates, state police said.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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And Hannah Waddingham gives a good, stern space-lady as the voice of the Galactic Grand Councilwoman.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
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In Kurosawa’s version, the chauffeur was an exceedingly meek man who got down on the floor to beg his stern shoe-manufacturer boss, played by the great Toshiro Mifune, to save his son.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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Home to some of our favorite bedding and bath towels, Brooklinen offers this sheet set, which comes in playful patterns and interesting colors like basil green and a subtle gray and white stripe.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
14 May 2025
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The Kansas City Chiefs tight end wore a blue and white graphic T-shirt under a sleek gray blazer paired with matching gray trousers, with his hair slicked back.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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Their love and fierce loyalty toward one another is a high point of Season 2.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2025
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Johnson’s selection came over the fierce opposition of some of the school’s staunchest supporters, who celebrate FAMU’s legacy of Black excellence, social mobility and cultural pride.—
Kate Payne,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson served as gold sponsor of the evening with Turner & Associates as silver sponsor.—
Carin Schoppmeyer,
Arkansas Online,
11 May 2025
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Felicity’s more flamboyant persona, meanwhile, is very glam black leather with silver trim.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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India claims to have targeted militant infrastructure, but the reality is grim: at least 26 Pakistani civilians -including women and a young child were reported killed in the strikes.—
Faisal Kutty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
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Sitting in on India press conferences can often be a bit grim, carefully orchestrated by the team's hierarchy and little is usually given to their hungry press corps.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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And on the rugged ninth hole, his tee shot held up in the grass just short of the bunker.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
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The second webcam will cover the rugged cliffs where puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags, and various species of gull typically gather.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Steely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steely. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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