as in sword
a hand weapon with a length of metal sharpened on one or both sides and usually tapered to a sharp point
drew steel on the bandits, who immediately fled for their lives
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1
as in to inspire
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
hoped that his inspirational talk would steel the youths in the pursuit of their dreams
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to strengthen
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
years of running a farm had steeled the hard-bitten woman
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3
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
he had spent the previous night steeling himself for the moment when he would demand a raise
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of steel
Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
Crafted with a rust-resistant steel frame and all-weather faux wicker, this patio chair set is built to thrive outdoors, rain or shine.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025
Carter Malkasian, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2023
In meetings, on calls and in public moves, CEOs are steeling themselves and their companies for the possibility of four more years of former President Trump.
—Erica Pandey, Axios, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for steel 
Noun
The stairs, made of wood, would be about 5 feet wide and feature steel threads instead of handrails.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
Crafted with a rust-resistant steel frame and all-weather faux wicker, this patio chair set is built to thrive outdoors, rain or shine.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
What is more, the possible domestic political costs of making any concessions might further steel his resolve, regardless of the economic and human costs.
—Carter Malkasian, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2023
In meetings, on calls and in public moves, CEOs are steeling themselves and their companies for the possibility of four more years of former President Trump.
—Erica Pandey, Axios, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for steel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
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Remarkably, researchers also recovered parts of the sword’s scabbard—a sheath of wood and leather lined in beaver fur.Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025
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Morita tried to take off his master’s head with a sword, but made a botch of it; another disciple had to finish the job.Ian Buruma, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This collaboration celebrates the power of connection, inspiring travelers to embrace paths that transform not only their journeys but their lives.Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
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For a creative twist to any day on the island, The Library by the Sea serves up cocktails inspired by literary classics in a setting that feels both elegant and imaginative.Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This sulfate-free formula gently cleanses without stripping moisture, infusing your strands with reparative antioxidants, amino acids, and fatty acids to strengthen and smooth.Erin Parker, Allure, 3 Jan. 2025
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Consistent, thoughtful content that highlights expertise and builds trust can enhance an executive's reputation and strengthen their connection with customers, investors and employees.Chad Angle, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Bitcoin and crypto prices have bounced back this week, with bitcoin again surging toward $100,000 as the market braces for an Elon Musk earthquake.Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
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There’s the upcoming sociopolitical scene: grappling with the malcontent that’s led Donald Trump to the White House again, bracing for deportations, corporate marauding, and more cultural upheaval.CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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They are also encouraged by recent digital activity around its content on outlets such as YouTube.Brian Steinberg, Variety, 13 Jan. 2025
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Fans are encouraged to show their support through donations to BeyGood.Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The move recognizes the town’s work to mitigate future fires by clearing trees and hardening homes.Jake Bittle, WIRED, 9 Jan. 2025
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After sitting indoors all winter, your plant needs to be hardened off by gradually acclimating it to the outdoors.Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Biden could have fortified these protections, using the United States’ influence and meeting its responsibilities as a superpower, one of the founders of international humanitarian law, one of the world’s largest arms suppliers, and the UN’s largest contributor.Sarah Yager, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025
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Get more information on fortifying your home from wildfires here.KABC STAFF, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Fabricated from the double-layered material used in conveyor belts, its oatmeal-colored shape could bear up to 500 pounds of weight—ultimately solidifying the tote’s status in the pantheon of carryalls.Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024
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The eating tray can be easily attached and bear up to 30 lbs.Nora Colomer, Fox News, 27 July 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near steel
Cite this Entry
“Steel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steel. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
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