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 Alois Ruf is a modest man who has grown the family business—Porsche optimization—with a steely stealthiness and notable technical ambition. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 13 July 2026 Not long after Zack Wheeler had undergone a thrombolysis procedure to remove a blood clot near his right shoulder, his longtime agent tried to crack the pitcher’s steely exterior. — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 6 July 2026 Coley and the audience know this isn’t true, but Sonya’s clenched jaw and steely gaze don’t leave room for questions. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 26 June 2026 Yet while the steely intensity of The Americans‘ Elizabeth Jennings marked a juicy departure for Russell, The Diplomat provides audiences the sheer pleasure of seeing how fully the star comes through and makes the part her own. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 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
  • His gruff mechanic Cooter Davenport is introduced as a hell-raising, uncouth wild man, constantly taunting the authorities and flouting convention.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Pangan remembers of Brun, imitating his gruff voice, and shaking her head.
    — Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • Moreover, in a study of 29 users of Melanotan II published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, some users reported their skin turning a dull gray color.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • But in this blue collar, factory-like environment, there was no blurred line, no grey area, no philosophical question to fret over.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of gray
Adjective
  • The Indian government last month issued a stern warning to Instagram to remove child abuse ads on its platform that followed a warning to WhatsApp over the rollout of a username feature.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
  • According to Jane, Burke was generally a caring and attentive friend, but also stern.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • This green and silver pair is calling my name for cool-girl fall looks.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Leaves can be pointed, elongated, or shaped like hearts and come in various textures, patterns, and colors like red, green, and silver hues.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of silver
Adjective
  • The scores carry over, promising a fierce battle for the national title, with Rivera aiming for multiple championships.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The diggers than turned to keeping themselves and two injured skiers alive amid the fierce blizzard.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • The grim toll comes nearly three months since the outbreak was declared on May 15.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • This time, though, there’s more heavy metal influence — more guitar, more drums, more church organ, more attitude — to complement Cathedral’s grim tale.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of grim
Adjective
  • The Fishlake National Forest blaze near Kanosh has surged to 165 square miles, with only 19% contained, forcing evacuations, destroying structures and drawing more than 600 firefighters into rugged terrain.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
  • On June 27, members of the Rifle Interagency Helitack Crew spent the morning working on two fires burning in rugged red rock country on the Colorado-Utah border.
    — Murphy Woodhouse, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of rugged
Adjective
  • Green previously admitted acting was considerably more intimidating than taking the stage.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Honest language can make a sensitive conversation feel less intimidating and more workable.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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