steely
19
5.5
- adjective
- /ˈstiːli/
- Despite the challenges she faced, she maintained a steely determination to succeed.
- steely-eyed
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Watch on YouTubeAnd of course, he was forged in the steely cauldron of New Jersey.
- And of course, he was forged in the steely cauldron of New Jersey.
- Oh, steely blue eyes, ginger beard.
- What the revolution demanded was realism, hardness, absolute steely resolve.
- What's the word steely, almost inhumane touch to it, like, like New York is you fend for yourself.
- And they're moving forward steely eyed and stable and upright.
- So no matter how steely and how well trained you are at detecting red flags, I imagine it must feel really good to be grandiosely love bombed.
- That that is that steely someone with glazed eyes and just the book learning thing.
Examples
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But when Joe tried to tell her of Dolph's new duties, her response was a steely silence.
Fiction book (1993) -
I have steely focus.
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His eyes were steely gray, very cold.
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Boy, this judge would have to have a very steely spine to do that.
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I imagined a steely look on your face and closed my eyes again.
Fiction book (1991) -
As I stepped out into the steely slap of winter, I promised myself it was over.
Fiction book (1998) -
I mean I knew you were talented, but I had no idea that under that shy, sweet exterior was such steely confidence!
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Poland's steely collective will to succeed has paid off.
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The Hudson River was visible from the Ridge, reflecting a steely blue on even overcast days.
Fiction book (1998) -
"You," he impaled the Watcher with a steely glare, "tell me more of your world."
Blog text (30)
Synonyms
214
1.7
Strong and able to resist damage or rough use
38
5.5
Brave and determined when things are difficult or dangerous
30
4.3
A person who decides to do something and does not change their mind
5
7.7
Having a firm, determined look in the eyes
1
8.3
Very calm and brave in dangerous or difficult situations
Being brave and calm under pressure
Antonyms
Compounds
How Determined
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word steely comes from the strong metal steel, so it describes someone or something like 'steel' — 'hard', 'strong', and 'determined'. Think of a person with 'nerves of steel' who does not show weakness.