1
as in encouraging
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in strengthening
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 bracing
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
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Recent Examples of steeling
Ellison’s advisers were steeling for at least four more days of hard work.
—
Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg, 27 Feb. 2026
And this game plan demands his best work, steeling Jarrett Stidham for the biggest challenge of his career, or any career for that matter.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 23 Jan. 2026
Shoulders sagging, Charleigh set the wooden spoon down, steeling herself.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
This New Moon is perfect for mending such inner tears, with its Capricorn durability steeling your 12th House of Finishes.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
The Pats are back because of who their quarterback has become, and who Mike Vrabel is as a head coach; a man capable of steeling a brittle roster into a dogged competitor.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Dec. 2025
As the end of the year approaches, many workers are steeling themselves for their annual performance review.
—Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025
On the environment beat, look for further reporting on Kentucky's resilience in the face of flooding and other disasters, following a legislative task force report outlining recommendations for steeling the state against strengthening storms.
—Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Dec. 2025
Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg, 27 Feb. 2026
And this game plan demands his best work, steeling Jarrett Stidham for the biggest challenge of his career, or any career for that matter.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 23 Jan. 2026
Shoulders sagging, Charleigh set the wooden spoon down, steeling herself.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
This New Moon is perfect for mending such inner tears, with its Capricorn durability steeling your 12th House of Finishes.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
The Pats are back because of who their quarterback has become, and who Mike Vrabel is as a head coach; a man capable of steeling a brittle roster into a dogged competitor.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Dec. 2025
As the end of the year approaches, many workers are steeling themselves for their annual performance review.
—Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025
On the environment beat, look for further reporting on Kentucky's resilience in the face of flooding and other disasters, following a legislative task force report outlining recommendations for steeling the state against strengthening storms.
—Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steeling
Verb
-
There were also fans of nearby college teams cheering on their guys, plus some participants’ encouraging families.—
Dan Greene,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
There had been encouraging noises on a pursuit for the Brazilian, but the longer the summer went on, the colder the trail grew.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
Verb
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Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck said property tax reform is important to Senate Democrats, as well as provisions strengthening collective bargaining for first responders.—
Jack Harvel,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2026
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This creates an immersive experience that allows viewers at home to feel part of the action as well, strengthening the overall sense of community.—
Christine Mortag,
Condé Nast Traveler,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Pawlikowski has never been prone to go long, but at just 82 minutes, Fatherland is as bracing and brief as a polar-bear plunge.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
-
The company’s relationship with Apple is strained and the two are bracing for potential lawsuits after the integration of ChatGPT into Apple devices has gone slowly.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
We are dedicated to growing America’s most beloved dog event year after year, inspiring new enthusiasts and fans across generations and across the globe to the wonderful sport of dogs.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
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While Orange County is home to many oceanfront eateries with awe-inspiring views, many of those spots come with equally eye-popping prices.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Chinese officials were unsure what to make of Pete Hegseth’s presence — whether it was meant to convey a softer stance, a hardening one, or simply an ignorance of basic diplomatic protocol.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
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The Timberwolves, who have made the past two Western Conference finals and endured their share of hardening heartbreaks, showed their quality in the critical moments.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
5 May 2026
Verb
-
Butka’s arrival continues a growing trend this offseason at Boise State, which is fortifying its inside game with taller, stronger bodies.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Think of calcium as fortifying fertilizer for your bones.—
Holly Carter,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Steeling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steeling. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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