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
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
This follows his recent move to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum earlier this month.
—Daksh Grover, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
Alex Konrad, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
President Trump’s administration deepened its pressure campaign on government employees to resign before a Thursday deadline, rattling and angering a civil service steeling itself for a prolonged battle with Elon Musk and his ongoing foray into the federal bureaucracy.
—Michael C. Bender, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Noun
Canada is a huge provider of wood to the United States, while China is a key contributor to steel and aluminum for new home builds and existing home renovations.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
This follows his recent move to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum earlier this month.
—Daksh Grover, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
In its public communications, DOGE has told aspiring applicants to steel themselves for a grueling sprint.
—Alex Konrad, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
President Trump’s administration deepened its pressure campaign on government employees to resign before a Thursday deadline, rattling and angering a civil service steeling itself for a prolonged battle with Elon Musk and his ongoing foray into the federal bureaucracy.
—Michael C. Bender, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
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Trade War Overview Tariff threats and trade policies are being weaponized to advance U.S. geopolitical conflict deterrence and economic statecraft, acting as the sword and shield of economic security to support U.S. self-sufficiency and undercut Chinese economic power.—
Jason Schenker,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
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Some weapons, like warhammers, can only do blunt damage, while something like a sword or spear can switch between slicing and stabbing at the push of a button.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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There's Potato Lab, a new Korean rom-com series, The Leopard, an adaptation of the Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa novel that inspired the classic 1963 from Luchino Visconti, Little Siberia, a Finnish disaster comedy, and Nadaaniyan, a quirky Indian romance.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
4 Mar. 2025
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This could also be about a financial goal while others discover a hidden talent that inspires you to make a bold career move.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The ideal workout regimen incorporates both aerobic and resistance training exercises to strengthen both fiber types.8 Joint Impact Cycling, whether on an upright, recumbent, or outdoor bike, is a no-impact aerobic exercise.—
Tim Petrie, DPT,
Verywell Health,
5 Mar. 2025
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Its unique multipurpose formula helps take care of your hands on all fronts: from the ceramide-rich complex that strengthens your skin's barrier to antioxidants like purslane and vitamin E that protect the hands from free radicals.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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However, some have highlighted early warning signs, like the decline in discretionary spending in the Bureau of Economic Analysis' most recent consumer spending report, suggesting that Americans are bracing for potential economic challenges.—
Russel Honoré,
Newsweek,
6 Mar. 2025
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Playback footage also shows both Hudson and Common bracing for the incoming impact of the ball.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Nope, although Google does encourage all users to switch from passwords and traditional 2FA to the use of passkeys, of course.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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Officials encourage Carolinians to stay informed through official emergency sources and call 911 to report any immediate threats.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Friedrich Merz, the leader of the conservative bloc that won this month's election, also hardened his position on immigration, tilting toward the AfD platform and stirring fear among Germany's left of a coming coalition between the far- and moderate-right.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA TODAY,
24 Feb. 2025
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Already, Russia appears to be hardening its stance: Moscow has ruled out any peacekeepers from NATO-member countries in monitoring any peace settlement.—
Eleanor Beardsley,
NPR,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Its design aligns with the relentless pace of business leadership, preserving revenue while fortifying resilience. 2.—
Jaime Catmull,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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Hydrolyzed collagen supports this duo by fortifying the moisture barrier to prevent water loss, leaving skin plump and plush.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Steel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steel. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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