as in to isolate
to deliberately ignore or treat rudely
cold-shouldered by his old friends after his family had lost all of its money
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in dismissal
treatment that is deliberately unfriendly
at the party the two former friends consciously gave each other the cold shoulder
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cold-shoulder
Chantz Martin, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
The actress wore the brand’s cold shoulder midi dress, which featured a plunging neckline with gold-tone bead detailing.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 31 Jan. 2025
Worst of all, local and state government agencies have shown an increasing tendency to fend off public-records requests with barriers like unjustified fees or a simple cold shoulder, letting records requests lie dormant for weeks or months with no response.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
In a 2008 Ebony profile, Banks posed with Iman, Alek Wek and Kimora Lee Simmons—women who were all toggling between fabulous modeling careers, as the faces of high fashion, and new options, in case the world of struts ever turned a cold shoulder.
—Essence, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cold-shoulder
Noun
The omission sparked some spirited posts on social media about Young and other players who received a cold shoulder from voters.
—Chantz Martin, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
The actress wore the brand’s cold shoulder midi dress, which featured a plunging neckline with gold-tone bead detailing.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 31 Jan. 2025
Worst of all, local and state government agencies have shown an increasing tendency to fend off public-records requests with barriers like unjustified fees or a simple cold shoulder, letting records requests lie dormant for weeks or months with no response.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
In a 2008 Ebony profile, Banks posed with Iman, Alek Wek and Kimora Lee Simmons—women who were all toggling between fabulous modeling careers, as the faces of high fashion, and new options, in case the world of struts ever turned a cold shoulder.
—Essence, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cold-shoulder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold-shoulder
Verb
-
My husband was isolating in our spare bedroom, leaving food outside my door three times a day.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
31 May 2025
-
The recent Russian advances in Donetsk, while incremental, were enabled by the tactic of isolating the battlefield – cutting Ukrainian units from supplies through drone strikes on supply vehicles up to 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the front lines.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
Despite the low scoring, United fans would ideally like to give Amorim time to reshape the squad to his liking, rather than call for his immediate dismissal.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
-
His dismissal — and that of several other judges whom President Trump brought in in his first term in office — sparked immediate GOP outrage and claims of political interference.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
Kate Hudson and Mindy Kaling’s friendship began in classic Hollywood fashion: while being snubbed at an Oscar party.—
Kara Warner,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
-
Alisson, who snubbed lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian clubs last summer, is effectively under contract until 2027 as the club have a one-year option built into his deal.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
The dynamic may be marked by frequent ruptures, including arguments, silent treatment or emotional withdrawal, followed by sudden closeness, reconciliation or affection.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
-
This silent treatment was later clarified to be part of McIlroy’s strategy to eliminate distractions.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
Paramount is currently engaged in mediation talks with Trump’s attorneys, who recently rejected a $15 million settlement offer and threatened further litigation, The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week.—
Dominick Mastrangelo,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
-
Brentford have rejected an offer of around €9million (£7.6m; $10.2m) from Bayer Leverkusen for their first-choice goalkeeper Mark Flekken but negotiations are ongoing over a potential deal.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
Harsh cleaning powders and gels can scratch the surface, as can stiff brushes and scouring pads.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
20 May 2025
-
The past two comparable moves in this small-investor proxy, in November 2022 and March 2022, led to stiff near-term declines in the basket within weeks.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The end of Elon Musk’s time at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency is the latest chapter in a long story: Republicans are better at cutting taxes than cutting spending.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
3 June 2025
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President Joe Biden promoted a suite of policies meant to cut carbon emissions by boosting EV sales.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Aware of the ongoing discourse around Joey Bada$$’s comments—which some took as slighting the West Coast’s current success—Soul stepped up with a diplomatic but direct verse.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
14 May 2025
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No one feels slighted that a title won’t be on the line in a WrestleMania main event.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cold-shoulder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold-shoulder. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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