steely-eyed
Hard, unwavering gaze
Steely-eyed describes a gaze that is cold, hard, and unflinching—like steel.
The look conveys determination, resolve, or intimidation: The steely-eyed detective stared him down.
A steely-eyed missile man is NASA slang for engineers who stay calm under extreme pressure.
The term suggests someone who won't blink or waver.
Penetrating or very sharp
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- keenSharp or enthusiastic
- incisiveSharply analytical
- perceptiveQuick to understand
discerning · astute · shrewd · analytical · observant · watchful · scrutinizing · assessing
Steady and unchanging
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- resoluteFixed in purpose
- tenaciousStubbornly determined to continue
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
unflinching · dogged · persistent · unrelenting · adamant · indomitable · unshakable · unswerving
Without visible emotion
- poker-facedShowing no emotion
- stoicUncomplaining endurer of hardship
- inscrutableImpossible to understand
- unreadableCannot be deciphered
cold · hard · piercing · flinty · icy · glacial · stony · blank
Conveying threat or danger
- formidableInspiring fear or respect
- dauntingDiscouraging through difficulty
- fierceViolently intense or aggressive
- sternStrict or ship's aft
grim · commanding · authoritative · imposing · unnerving · fearsome · hard-nosed · tough
piercing
Penetrating or very sharp
perceptive · discerning · astute · shrewd · analytical · observant · watchful · scrutinizing · assessing · calculating
unwavering
Steady and unchanging
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- resoluteFixed in purpose
- tenaciousStubbornly determined to continue
unyielding · unflinching · dogged · persistent · unrelenting · adamant · indomitable · unshakable · unswerving · uncompromising
impassive
Without visible emotion
- poker-facedShowing no emotion
- stoicUncomplaining endurer of hardship
- inscrutableImpossible to understand
unreadable · cold · hard · piercing · flinty · icy · glacial · stony · blank · composed
menacing
Conveying threat or danger
- formidableInspiring fear or respect
- dauntingDiscouraging through difficulty
- fierceViolently intense or aggressive
stern · grim · commanding · authoritative · imposing · unnerving · fearsome · hard-nosed · tough · no-nonsense
- eyed
steely-eyedwavering
Showing unsteady resolve
irresolute · weak-willed · wishy-washy · indecisive · faint-hearted
steely-eyeddoe-eyed
Appearing gentle and innocent
dewy-eyed · tender · warmhearted · soft · misty-eyed
steely, steel, steels, steeled, steeling, steeliness, eye, eyes, eyed