Used to express actions, events, or states that have not yet occurred but are expected to happen.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After England trounced Spain at home last weekend, Dow is expecting a bracing evening in south-west France, one that will steel a near full-strength side for challenges to come.
From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2025
It’s scoldy: “I hope my words will steel the reader against not only the regrettable conditions of our time but also against any form of coddling.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 29, 2022
Cordova, a 55-year-old executive assistant and data manager, said she will steel herself to head to her new desk inside the renovated building.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 1, 2015
Sooner or later, the lure of profit will steel the nerves.
From Time Magazine Archive
Even the prophet Muhammad, well-known foe to poetry and to poets, instructed his disciples to relate to their children the traditions concerning Antar, "for these will steel their hearts harder than stone."
From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 2 by Hamilton Wright Mabie
