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
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2025
That hammered steel, autos and farming, three sectors that depended on exporting or that competed with imports.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
But the rattling experience steeled the Montana native against the tumult caused last week by President Trump’s announcement of steep global tariffs.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Noun
The mountable shelf features a top surface for storing laundry essentials like dryer balls and detergent, as well as a lower steel rack for hang-drying clothing.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2025
That hammered steel, autos and farming, three sectors that depended on exporting or that competed with imports.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
Verb
The squeamish will need to steel themselves for Warfare.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
But the rattling experience steeled the Montana native against the tumult caused last week by President Trump’s announcement of steep global tariffs.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
-
With swords precariously dangling above them, the witches have to place a selection of tarot cards in a specific order.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
19 May 2025
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Compared to most of the other books on this list, this one is less sad lady knight, more hilarious and competent princess with a sword.—
Caitlin Starling,
People.com,
19 May 2025
Verb
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Enter the high-stakes world of Squid Game: The Experience in New York City to tackle five immersive challenges inspired by the breakout Netflix hit from South Korea.—
Nevin Martell,
USA Today,
27 May 2025
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Inside, the stage was inspired by the Biltmore Theater in Los Angeles, said art director Matt Fiuza.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Renee advises strengthening organizations by defining behavioral standards and ensuring policies reinforce a culture of respect.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
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Police Chief Neil Noakes spent two decades in uniform, working to reduce violent crimes, support officers’ mental wellness, and strengthen trust in Fort Worth.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 May 2025
Verb
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While this can present challenges like balancing our workloads between AI agents and employees, with careful preparation and testing, companies can better brace themselves for the future.—
Syed Ahmed,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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Becker’s premise is bracing: Tech oligarchs’ wildest visions of tomorrow amount to a modern secular theology that is both mesmerizing and, in his view, deeply misguided.—
John Kaag,
The Atlantic,
28 May 2025
Verb
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There is no fee to nominate and self-nominations are encouraged.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
26 May 2025
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Inner reflection is encouraged with Mercury in Gemini.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
25 May 2025
Verb
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Related article Ships, sea drones and AI: How NATO is hardening its defense of critical Baltic undersea cables CNN was not able to locate the registered owner of the Jaguar for comment.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
20 May 2025
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These devices must be hardened against attackers seeking stealthy persistence.—
Yuriy Bulygin,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Lawmakers should strengthen existing incentives for states and cities to adopt resilience measures—fortifying homes against wind, hail, flooding, and wildfires—to lower costs for both property owners and insurance companies when disasters strike.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
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Other studies show that tea decreased iron absorption from wheat bread fortified with ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate by 56 to 72%.1 Individual variation: Still, additional research is necessary to establish the best time to drink tea without affecting iron absorption.—
Melissa Nieves,
Verywell Health,
21 May 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 3 Jun. 2025.
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