1
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
pinned them with a steely gaze and demanded to know what they were doing
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2
as in grey
of the color gray
steely eyes that are the color of a stormy sky
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Recent Examples of steely
Meanwhile, the steely matriarch, Olivia (Debbi Morgan), is hiding a few secrets of her own.
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Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024
Washington nails Malcolm’s steely militancy and gift of gab, but the performance goes far deeper, examining the early failings and eventual righteous fury that transformed him into a once-in-a-lifetime political figure.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2024
And two new regional enemies – Kansas City mob boss Bill Bevilaqua (Frank Grillo) and steely Tulsa businessman Cal Thresher (Neal McDonough) have harshed Manfredi's mellow all season.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 17 Nov. 2024
Why not the kid with spiked hair and a steely glare?
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for steely 
Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024
Washington nails Malcolm’s steely militancy and gift of gab, but the performance goes far deeper, examining the early failings and eventual righteous fury that transformed him into a once-in-a-lifetime political figure.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2024
And two new regional enemies – Kansas City mob boss Bill Bevilaqua (Frank Grillo) and steely Tulsa businessman Cal Thresher (Neal McDonough) have harshed Manfredi's mellow all season.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 17 Nov. 2024
Why not the kid with spiked hair and a steely glare?
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for steely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steely
Adjective
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After a long bout of gruff banter, Frank gets personal, invoking his dead son, Joseph.Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
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The actress uncovers enough credibility in the character to withstand the syrupy sports drama’s conventions, offsetting the gruff Eastwoodisms on which the film is built. 19.Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Filling the next flight are eight empty grey steps without any wording.Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
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Other functions are in a grey area — one of these is the Transportation Security Administration under the Department of Homeland Security.Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Corenswet is perfect as a younger, less chiseled, less stern version of Superman.Erik Kain, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
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Freeland, on the other hand, has advocated a much tougher approach to Trump, one more in line with the stern response of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The best-selling pair is available in three colorways — black, heather gray, and navy — and is made for three different size groups — a 30-inch inseam designed for petite shoppers, a 32-inch inseam, and a plus-size style that’s quickly selling out.Kelsey Fredricks, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
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While Kardashian dressed in the holiday spirit in a Mrs. Claus outfit, Barker opted for a gray hoodie.David Oliver, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Her co-star and director Justin Baldoni, the outspoken actor highly regarded as one of the industry's fiercest defenders of women.Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2024
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Enticing notes of lemon confit, citrus blossom and a saline minerality make one yearn for the sea with subtle flavors of nectarine and chamomile tea on the palate with a fierce mineral finish and mouthwatering acidity that is impressive.Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Kelce donned a suit from the Tortured Poets Department skit, while Swift rocked a black dress with silver details.Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
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Earlier in the evening, Sevigny wore a custom white and silver Saint Laurent gown—romantic and old world, with medieval princess style long sleeves and a sheer lace, layered cape top.Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The larger picture is especially grim: Settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has leaped, as reported by the Israeli media and human-rights groups.Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2024
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Viewers watched as Berghoff spilled chilling anecdotes of her experiences, painting a grim picture of the dangers lurking in the digital dating pool.Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The West Coast Fishing Club is loved for serving as a rugged haven on British Columbia’s remote ancestral and unceded territory of the Haida Nation in Haida Gwaii, surrounded by dramatic coastal landscapes and teeming with wildlife.Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
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These include a standing grip case, silicone case, rugged case, kindsuit case and magnet case.Ewan Spence, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near steely
Cite this Entry
“Steely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steely. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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