cool 1 of 3

adjective

ˈkül How to pronounce cool (audio)
Definition of coolnext
1
as in stylish
slang being in the latest or current fashion had a cool new hairstyle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others the locals were cool towards outsiders the schoolmaster's cool manner did not encourage chitchat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in calm
free from emotional or mental agitation in a crisis keep a cool head, even if no one else is

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in cold
having a low or subnormal temperature a cool basement that would be perfect for storing wine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in icy
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling directed a cool glance at the student who was sneaking into class late

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in downtown
slang keenly aware of and responsive to the latest developments especially in fashion and entertainment a Greek island that's the current favorite of the cool crowd

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in awesome
slang of the very best kind a really cool garage band that's starting to get some attention from the music industry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cool

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to chill
to cause to lose heat cool your drinks in the icy mountain stream

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hush
to become still and orderly after the recess, tempers had cooled, and we could have a civil, rational discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cool

3 of 3

noun

1
as in detachment
the absence of emotional involvement the judge's customary cool stood her in good stead during the sensational trial

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fashionableness
the quality or state of being fashionable a designer who was the arbiter of cool

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in composure
evenness of emotions or temper despite the flood of insults, the fledgling stand-up comic never lost his cool

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Try This Instead

For
Try This
a cool head
a rational head
a clear head
a fair-minded head
a steady head
a peaceful head
a cool breeze
a refreshing breeze
a crisp breeze
a fresh breeze
a brisk breeze
a lovely breeze
a cool drink
a chilled drink
an iced drink
an icy drink
a fresh-tasting drink
a frosty drink
a cool place
a popular place
a groovy place
an awesome place
a neat place
an interesting place
cool colors
pretty colors
unique colors
sick colors
funky colors
stylish colors

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cool different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cool are collected, composed, imperturbable, nonchalant, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

Where would collected be a reasonable alternative to cool?

The words collected and cool can be used in similar contexts, but collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When is composed a more appropriate choice than cool?

While in some cases nearly identical to cool, composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

When can imperturbable be used instead of cool?

Although the words imperturbable and cool have much in common, imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

When is it sensible to use nonchalant instead of cool?

The meanings of nonchalant and cool largely overlap; however, nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

When might unruffled be a better fit than cool?

In some situations, the words unruffled and cool are roughly equivalent. However, unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cool
Adjective
If someone is affected by heat, immediately transfer them to a cool and shaded area. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025 Here’s why: Percale is cool, crisp, and soft, with no chance of appearing sloppy. —Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2025
Verb
The best laptop cooling pad is the Havit Laptop Cooling Pad. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025 However, because of a poor showing in the second round (again, against the Pacers), the market cooled off on him. —Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Noun
The nadir was Brighton & Hove Albion’s inspired 3-2 comeback victory at the Amex Stadium in April, which culminated in Potter almost losing his cool. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 7 July 2025 But edgy, irreverent, artistic, dingy, grimy, slightly dangerous cool. —Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cool
  1. stylish
  2. distant
  3. calm
  4. cold
  5. icy
  6. downtown
  7. awesome
  8. chill
Adjective
  • However, there is an increasingly impressive array of stylish spots that might tempt you to stay off the beachfront, like the brand-new collection of 10 villas at Trobbu Tulum, offering a luxe private experience and even the option of all-inclusive dining.
    — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • Based on an unfinished Jack London novel, this swinging, pre-WWI caper pairs swaggering Oliver Reed with fierce, feminist Diana Rigg for stylish '60s thrills.
    — EW Staff Updated, EW.com, 18 July 2025
Definition of stylish
Adjective
  • Advertisement Still, his father remained remote and distant.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 18 July 2025
  • Lyricism as the default measure of talent feels like a distant memory.
    — Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2025
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • Later, after Hankison was sentenced, The Courier Journal counted at least 10 police cruisers parked outside the courthouse, although the situation remained calm.
    — Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025
  • As more people seek healing, the conversation has shifted toward calm approaches to managing intense feelings.
    — Essence, Essence, 23 July 2025
Definition of calm
Adjective
  • For evening or colder climates, go with the Parallel Pant.
    — Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Everyone’s temperature preferences differ—some sleep hot, others cold.
    — Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • Gelato is very similar to ice cream, but only relies on milk instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter, icier texture than traditional homemade ice cream.
    — Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
  • Stock tip: Migrate to icier territories… Aston Villa 6/1 Last five results: WLWWW A two-goal deficit to overcome in the Champions League quarter-final return leg against Paris Saint-Germain next week likely spells the end of Villa’s European aspirations.
    — Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • Now, as soon as next year, the historic campus will transform into housing with 213 apartments as the city's Department of Metropolitan Development and private developers redevelop dilapidated buildings downtown into residential and commercial spaces.
    — Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
  • A day of concerts continued as planned in the downtown Milwaukee park July 12.
    — Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of downtown
Adjective
  • This is an incredible honor, and an awesome responsibility.
    — Sharon DeVivo, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
  • Cargill hit an awesome Jaded from the top rope through a table.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of awesome
Verb
  • After chilling the base, each version develops its distinct personality, with chocolate and cookies for one, and brown sugar and balsamic for the other.
    — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025
  • Tinder match recounts chilling conversation with Kohberger A woman who matched with Kohberger on the dating app Tinder in the fall of 2022 made a tip to authorities in March 2024 and was later interviewed by detectives, according to one of the police reports.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 24 July 2025
Definition of chill

Phrases Containing cool

Browse Nearby Words

cook (up)
cool
cool (down)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cool. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on cool

Nglish: Translation of cool for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All