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
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Recent Examples of steel
Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2025
Nickel is primarily used to make stainless steel and other alloy steels, as well as batteries.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Alexander Clausbruch, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
However, after a two-decade-long legal battle, Arizona climbers are steeling themselves for the potential destruction of most of the boulders and hundreds of routes in Oak Flat area.
—Sam MacIlwaine, Outside Online, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Noun
This year, Chinese authorities intensified scrutiny over excessive production in sectors like steel and coal in a bid to curb cutthroat competition that has weighed on businesses’ profitability and worsened deflation.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2025
Nickel is primarily used to make stainless steel and other alloy steels, as well as batteries.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
Amid growing geopolitical tensions and unpredictable politics, the global economy is steeling itself for constant, sudden change.
—Alexander Clausbruch, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
However, after a two-decade-long legal battle, Arizona climbers are steeling themselves for the potential destruction of most of the boulders and hundreds of routes in Oak Flat area.
—Sam MacIlwaine, Outside Online, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
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Now eight years removed from Revenge, Lutz returns to the action genre, albeit of the sword and sorcery variety, in MJ Basset’s Red Sonja.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Aug. 2025
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Take the quiz here … HIDDEN HISTORY – Angler expecting a fish pulls up rare 700-year-old sword instead.—
,
FOXNews.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Its grille inspired the 1998 Chrysler Chronos concept car and the sensational 2005 Chrysler 300.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
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Adcock's songwriting is inspired by his life experiences and often features relatable themes.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
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While Italy aims to strengthen its vital connection to Sicily, China has been systematically building the world's highest bridges.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
6 Aug. 2025
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Honoring my Guatemalan ancestry only strengthens my commitment to America.—
Jenny Goldsberry,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Inspect mature trees with heavy or unbalanced limbs, which should be pruned or supported by cabling or bracing (a service provided by arborists).—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Aug. 2025
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Bitcoin, one of the year’s best performing assets, has fallen sharply, plunging almost 10% as traders brace for a huge price game-changer.—
Billy Bambrough,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Terminator 2: Judgement Day star also shared encouraging words for others who might be struggling with their own mental health.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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Are there opportunities for workshops for parents? Innovation Balance: Do policies encourage responsible experimentation or only focus on restrictions?—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But the mood in Israel hardened dramatically when, on July 31, Hamas released a video of the skeletal 21-year-old Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski, weeping and in pain.—
Emily Rose,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
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Coconut oil will harden when cold, leaving you with solid chocolate candy for later.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Earlier in the day, the signing of Lowe, who’d been designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals last week, proved another step in trying to fortify the roster for the postseason.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
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Friday's summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska -- to which Ukrainian representatives were not invited -- ended with Russia demanding that Ukraine cede the entirety of its contested and fortified eastern Donetsk region in exchange for an end to the fighting, two sources told ABC News.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Nobody needed to go into the brush and stir that bear up.—
Howard Copenhaver,
Outdoor Life,
23 Apr. 2025
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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 22 Aug. 2025.
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