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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of steel
Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
And steel, aluminum, cars and car parts from across the globe have been subject to separate levies starting at 25%, in most cases.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 11 July 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
Many semi-finished goods—steel, aluminum, aerospace components—are processed in Brazil before returning to American factories.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
And steel, aluminum, cars and car parts from across the globe have been subject to separate levies starting at 25%, in most cases.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 11 July 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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Traces of the wooden hilt are still visible on the preserved sword.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
7 July 2025
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The medieval sword was given to a specialty conservation workshop for further preservation and analysis, Science in Poland said in a July 4 news release.—
Aspen Pflughoeft
July 4,
Miami Herald,
4 July 2025
Verb
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The name was inspired by the property it’s built on.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
14 July 2025
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Set against the backdrop of Costa Rica and inspired by true events, 52nd State follows an IT worker who discovers his job is a front for a criminal operation that scams elderly Americans.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Accompanied by a business delegation, investment deals were inked, along with agreements to strengthen business ties.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
14 July 2025
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Knowing whether the solution keeps your headcount neutral or—better yet—helps net some efficiency only strengthens your argument.—
Dave Merkel,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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As school districts brace for budget shortfalls, communities await a decision that could reshape access to education and enrichment nationwide.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
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Inflation data Stock futures were higher before the bell on Tuesday as investors braced for June’s consumer price index, due in at 8:30 a.m. ET.—
Josephine Rozzelle,
CNBC,
15 July 2025
Verb
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The editorial also criticized health benefit eligibility after eight years of service — a policy many cities use to encourage continuity and long-term commitment.—
Josh Levy,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
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Their main message is to encourage couples to actively consider the decision instead of following the norm.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Iran rejects tight restrictions on its nuclear program and has hardened its stance after Israel and the U.S. targeted its nuclear facilities in June.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
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They’d be hardened to anything that life and work threw their way.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Both cow's milk and oat milk may be fortified with vitamins A and D, so check the label for vitamin content.8 Vitamin A: Helps to keep the skin and eyes healthy.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
12 July 2025
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Khan, by contrast, is being tasked with a narrower but highly strategic mission: fortifying Apple's supply chain, localizing production, and driving environmental accountability.—
Nate Bennett,
Forbes.com,
9 July 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 19 Jul. 2025.
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