steely-nerved
Calm under fire
Steely-nerved means having nerves of steel—calm and resolute under pressure, not easily shaken by fear or stress.
The compound emphasizes coolness in situations that would unsettle most people: The steely-nerved surgeon continued despite the power flickering.
Often describes soldiers, pilots, negotiators, or anyone facing high-stakes moments without flinching.
Showing courage despite fear
- fearlessLacking any apprehension
- boldCourageous and daring
- intrepidResolutely without fear
- undauntedCourageously persistent despite difficulty
dauntless · valiant · gallant · gutsy · plucky · stouthearted · lionhearted · heroic
Free from agitation
- unflappableImpossible to disturb
- coolheadedCalm when stressed
- collectedCalm and self-possessed
- poisedCalm and controlled
level-headed · self-possessed · imperturbable · unruffled · unperturbed · equanimous · steady · even-keeled
Firmly committed to purpose
- tenaciousStubbornly determined to continue
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- unwaveringSteady and unchanging
- resoluteFixed in purpose
persistent · dogged · unyielding · single-minded · indomitable · unrelenting · unswerving · iron-willed
Without visible emotion
- unemotionalLacking outward feeling
- dispassionateFree from emotional involvement
- detachedApart or uninvolved
- stoicUncomplaining endurer of hardship
phlegmatic · unresponsive · emotionless · inscrutable · poker-faced · stony · deadpan · blank
brave
Showing courage despite fear
undaunted · dauntless · valiant · gallant · gutsy · plucky · stouthearted · lionhearted · heroic · audacious
calm
Free from agitation
- unflappableImpossible to disturb
- coolheadedCalm when stressed
- collectedCalm and self-possessed
poised · level-headed · self-possessed · imperturbable · unruffled · unperturbed · equanimous · steady · even-keeled · unfazed
determined
Firmly committed to purpose
- tenaciousStubbornly determined to continue
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- unwaveringSteady and unchanging
resolute · persistent · dogged · unyielding · single-minded · indomitable · unrelenting · unswerving · iron-willed · persevering
impassive
Without visible emotion
- unemotionalLacking outward feeling
- dispassionateFree from emotional involvement
- detachedApart or uninvolved
stoic · phlegmatic · unresponsive · emotionless · inscrutable · poker-faced · stony · deadpan · blank · expressionless
steely-nervedjittery
Anxiously restless
nervous · anxious · panicky · high-strung · skittish
steely-nervedfainthearted
Cowardly, easily discouraged
cowardly · timid · fearful · lily-livered · spineless
steely, nerved, steel, nerve, steels, nerves, steeled, steeling, nerveless