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
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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
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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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of steel
Sal Vaglica, WIRED, 11 Dec. 2024
Iron and steel, when exposed to winter weather, degrade over time.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024
Erica Pandey, Axios, 2 Nov. 2024
After going 0-7 in games decided by three points or fewer last season, the Chargers still are trying to steel themselves to make a jump toward winning tight games.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for steel 
Noun
Kamado cooker diehards don’t fret: While ceramic grills have thicker walls than any metal smoker, steel is generally more difficult for these frequencies to penetrate, so these probes should work with your Big Green Egg too.
—Sal Vaglica, WIRED, 11 Dec. 2024
Iron and steel, when exposed to winter weather, degrade over time.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
In meetings, on calls and in public moves, CEOs are steeling themselves and their companies for the possibility of four more years of former President Trump.
—Erica Pandey, Axios, 2 Nov. 2024
After going 0-7 in games decided by three points or fewer last season, the Chargers still are trying to steel themselves to make a jump toward winning tight games.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for steel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
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One man in Northampton County offered seven swords to anyone willing to fight the new tax.Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
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The toy comes to life, fends off some ornery mice with his sword and leads Clara through a wintry dreamworld of dancing Christmas treats.Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Get The Recipe 06 of 18 Buffalo Chicken Salad A classic buffalo chicken marinade ensures there's no shortage of flavor while all the toppings are inspired by ingredients that are often served with a plate of wings—celery, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, blue cheese, and crispy onion bits.Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024
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Advertisement What inspired you to film your special in Hawaii and what started your longtime appreciation for the Aloha State?Nate Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The small community strengthens its young people through a close connection with Country.Zac Ntim, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024
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According to Yi Shan Lee, MD, a clinical assistant professor in the department of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, research suggests moderate to vigorous physical activity may increase the brain's ability to create new cells and rewire itself, helping to strengthen memory.Lauryn Higgins, Health, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Airports are bracing for potential delays as winter weather disrupts flights.Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
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While only a few companies are set to release earnings reports this week, the stock market is bracing for a potentially pivotal moment.Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
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If a person has a bad reaction to a vaccine, federal officials encourage reporting to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
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While the groom, a writer and director, was in New York for work, Alix encouraged him to poke around his favorite store.Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
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If necessary, place a resealable bag filled with ice over the stain to harden the sap first.Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
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Allen, the first Black star for a Phillies franchise that was the NL’s last to integrate, had a perspective hardened by his minor-league experience in Little Rock, Ark.Tyler Kepner, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Iraq has reportedly fortified its border with Syria in recent days and has been in talks with HTS.Brad Dress, The Hill, 10 Dec. 2024
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This latest military activity underscores the ongoing struggle for influence in the Taiwan Strait, as China seeks to assert dominance while Taiwan fortifies its diplomatic and defense strategies.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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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
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The eating tray can be easily attached and bear up to 30 lbs.Nora Colomer, Fox News, 27 July 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near steel
Cite this Entry
“Steel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steel. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
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