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Definition of steely

steely

/ˈstiː.li/
steel · y
Adverb:steelily
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steely Lexical Profile

steely Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Coldly determined, unwavering, and unyielding in character, expression, or resolve.

Example

"She met the board's tough questions with a steely gaze and a calm, steady voice."

2

Resembling steel in color, sheen, or hardness; having a cold, bluish-gray metallic appearance.

Example

"The fishing boat sailed out onto the steely waters of the North Atlantic at dawn."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for steely

• Nearby Words

steelwork
steelworker
steelworks
steely
steenbok
steep
steepen

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the noun 'steel' (from Old English 'stīele') and the suffix '-y', originally describing objects made of or resembling steel before developing its figurative sense of unyielding resolve in the late 16th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Steely. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/steely
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