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
These boats sail largely undetected with only the top of the craft visible — often painted, researchers say, in steely blues and grays to blend in with the stormy Atlantic waves and evade surveillance efforts.
—
Simon Owen , Greg Palkot, FOXNews.com, 10 Dec. 2025
Her hair, styled by her go-to hairstylist Tokyo Stylez, was deeply parted to one side for a peekaboo effect and to show off the icy blonde roots, which transitioned from a steely baby blue to a dark denim at the ends.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Dec. 2025
Like Frank, she was introduced early in the season as an accomplished, steely professional who gets things done.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 7 Dec. 2025
Colman Domingo, who won an Emmy for his role as Rue’s sponsor Ali, is similarly set to return, as is Martha Kelly in her role as steely drug dealer Laurie.
—Jami Ganz, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steely
Simon Owen , Greg Palkot, FOXNews.com, 10 Dec. 2025
Her hair, styled by her go-to hairstylist Tokyo Stylez, was deeply parted to one side for a peekaboo effect and to show off the icy blonde roots, which transitioned from a steely baby blue to a dark denim at the ends.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Dec. 2025
Like Frank, she was introduced early in the season as an accomplished, steely professional who gets things done.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 7 Dec. 2025
Colman Domingo, who won an Emmy for his role as Rue’s sponsor Ali, is similarly set to return, as is Martha Kelly in her role as steely drug dealer Laurie.
—Jami Ganz, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steely
Adjective
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Approved by The Boss himself, the live-music and storytelling show finds Azaria slipping into his best Springsteen guise for a night of gruff tales and greatest hits.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
24 Dec. 2025
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The gory skit ends with the gruff older man rushing through the door to announce he’s made amends with his son, only to have his head sliced off by the flying chainsaw.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
21 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Winter showcases the exfoliating bark, which peels away to reveal strips of gray, orange, and brick red.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
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The coat is available in five colors, including dark brown, oat, caramel, gray, and black, as well as sizes ranging from XS to XL.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
On Academy Street, taken over by Dominicans, the Fourth translated into a jubilant handful of families and neighbors on each stretch of sidewalk, with speakers, folding chairs, and beer bottles at the foot of stern buildings.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
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The boat can easily accommodate a dozen guests, thanks to the abundant seating, including a rear-facing lounge at the stern and bow lounge.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The first agent gets into a silver Chevy Tahoe driven by someone else and leaves.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
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After the incident, the robbers got into a silver sedan with at least one additional person inside who was driving, police said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Some nearby residents, including Sue Weston — the owner of Weston Gardens in Bloom, a historic garden located on Anglin Drive — have expressed fierce opposition to the data center.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Jan. 2026
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Last year, the governor tried to increase the number of in-office days to four only to face fierce resistance from his employees and their labor representatives.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Another violent image now joins the grim archive that has made Minnesota an unwilling stage for national trauma for years running.—
Phil Morris The Minnesota Star Tribune,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
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Continue reading … PUT ON NOTICE – Trump discusses expansion of drug cartel crackdown, issues grim warning to Iran.—
,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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And, importantly, that now-familiar reliable, rugged push.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
8 Nov. 2025
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For instance, it is equipped with a four-wheel independent drive system, providing maximum mobility across complex and rugged terrain.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The Kingpin is one of its offerings this year, an intimidating V-8 monster that makes over 800 horsepower and is blacked out.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
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The podcast is meant to do some of the bedtime planning for parents, taking an intimidating task off their plate.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Steely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steely. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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