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
Relevance
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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of steel
Michael Bloom, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
For hikers and residents, the steel lattice towers rising from the horizon carrying high-voltage transmission lines up and over the mountains are as recognizable as the bucolic dirt paths, scraggly chapparal, and, at slightly higher elevations, old oaks.
—Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026
Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2025
For decades, humankind steeled itself for the rise of thinking machines.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for steel
Noun
Morgan Stanley cuts Nucor and Steel Dynamics to equal weight from overweight The firm says both steel companies have limited upside.
—Verb
In the play’s forthright, direct-to-the-audience expression of political necessity, Susannah Flood is the piece’s avatar of Wohl, but the show’s true essence is embodied by Betsy Aidem, playing a tightly wound housewife, who steels the younger women around her to face the struggle to come.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for steel
Noun
-
The Tofinu took refuge in the lagoons along the Bight of Benin, a core area of the slave trade, venturing forth in canoes with harpoons, javelins, and swords to fight off raiders from powerful nearby kingdoms.—
-
Police began to de-escalate the situation ever since the suspect answered the door around noon Sunday, armed with a sword and acting aggressively toward officers.—
Verb
-
Not even those who, inspired by occasional bouts of yellow fever, had sure access to fleeting moments of lucidity.—
-
Along with starring in Sorry, Baby, Victor also wrote and directed the film, inspired by her own traumatic experiences.—
Verb
-
That voice continued to echo during Tuesday’s meeting as environmental advocates are moving to strengthen the Marine Protected Area network and coastlines.—
-
Even short bouts of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, boost mood and strengthen the heart.—
Verb
-
Hodges braced himself against a metal door frame to his right.—
-
But this year, investors should brace for the possibility outperforming shares will collide with reality, billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio warned on Monday.—
Verb
-
The teeth also captured climate shifts such as the Late Antique Little Ice Age and the Medieval Climate Anomaly, which might have encouraged some increase in migration into England.—
-
Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it via the USGS Felt Report form.—
Verb
-
For dry or gel polish, use ice to harden it, then gently lift or chip it off.—
-
Even Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had been trying to ease anger before the demonstrations exploded in recent days, offered a hardening tone in an interview aired Sunday.—
Verb
-
Overall, though, New Jersey didn’t land enough difference-makers to fortify the club’s supporting cast.—
-
Foods like yogurt and kefir offer gut-friendly probiotics, and milk is often fortified with vitamin D.—
Verb
-
It can also be used as a bench, bearing up to 355 pounds.—
-
Harriet remembered there was something: inexpressibly affecting in the aspect of the frail little creature who had done such wonderful things, and who was able to bear up, with so bright an eye and so composed a countenance, under not only such a weight of sorrow, but such a prospect of solitude.—
Cite this Entry
“Steel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steel. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share