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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of steel
Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2025
In mid-March, the European Union (EU) announced retaliatory tariffs against Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs on approximately $28 billion of U.S. exports.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
In its public communications, DOGE has told aspiring applicants to steel themselves for a grueling sprint.
—Alex Konrad, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for steel
Noun
The impending hit comes on top of other U.S. tariffs planned globally on steel and aluminum, and at a time when competition from China, and the transition to electric vehicles, is already pressuring automakers.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2025
In mid-March, the European Union (EU) announced retaliatory tariffs against Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs on approximately $28 billion of U.S. exports.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
Here’s what some of this year’s drivers who steeled their nerves over 500 miles in both races have to say about the challenges of them both — and how Castroneves might fare in Sunday’s race.
—Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
In its public communications, DOGE has told aspiring applicants to steel themselves for a grueling sprint.
—Alex Konrad, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for steel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
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And memories of them putting the Reds to the sword are still very, very fresh.—
Sam Tighe,
The Athletic,
21 Mar. 2025
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The Mirror and the Light opens with that profoundly disturbing execution, Foy a pale rictus of fear and vulnerability as she is led to the block, where she is blindfolded and positioned before the executioner’s sword.—
Taylor Antrim,
Vogue,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2025
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Directed and co-written by Jean-Stéphane Bron, the original and spirited fiction series, the high-stakes real life drama-thriller, is inspired by real life last-chance talks in 2015 between the U.S. and Iran over the latter’s nuclear program, talks held in Geneva.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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With the right incentives and accountability, the sector could help scale sustainable technologies, strengthen regional markets, and build resilience across food systems.—
Daphne Ewing-Chow,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Open source allows a company to build a community of developers around a particular model, strengthening its capabilities and also its reach globally.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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At the party, Greg pulls her aside, and Belinda braces herself — but Greg surprises her.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
30 Mar. 2025
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In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, counties including Alger, Luce, Delta, and Schoolcraft are bracing for up to 8 inches of snow and ice accumulations of up to half an inch through Sunday evening, while Dickinson, Iron, and Menominee Counties could see up to 6 inches of snow.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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On April 5, disenfranchised Americans are being encouraged to protest the Trump administration's policies as part of a national movement in myriad cities, hosted by a group of older Americans called Third Act.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
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Foster relationships by encouraging collaboration, recognizing contributions and making space for real conversations, not just work talk.—
Erin Stafford,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Tomato seedlings that aren't hardened off can struggle to grow or adapt to the outdoor climate after transplanting.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
23 Mar. 2025
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March 27 is an opportunity to dissolve barriers between the heart and the soul, and to soften the edges where hurt has hardened us.—
Colin Bedell,
Them,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The slightly curved wand coats each lash in nourishing ingredients—biotin helps to fortify lashes to protect against breakage, while antioxidant-rich ingredients like peptides, vitamin E, and panthenol help to condition and hydrate.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
26 Mar. 2025
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Though the Steelers have made a concerted effort to fortify the trenches, this move that’s felt inevitable for some time.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Each electrode pair weighs 1.5 g, bears up to 100 N, and changes states in less than 30 ms.—
Erico Guizzo,
IEEE Spectrum,
20 May 2016
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In 1970, the average Chinese woman was expected to bear up to six children throughout her lifetime.—
Micah McCartney,
Newsweek,
22 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Steel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steel. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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