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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

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cool

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verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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cool

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noun

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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
Gaube’s photographs, explains Moussa, show both his interest in vernacular architecture and the penchant of Lebanese architects, designers, and builders for using thick stone and heavy wooden doors that kept interiors cool in summer and insulated in winter. JSTOR Daily, 25 Oct. 2025 The cutoff for planting cool-season grass is 6 weeks before the average first fall frost. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
Beat on medium-high speed for 30 seconds to release steam; let cool slightly, about 1 minute. Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025 Inflation ticked up in September Inflation ticked up again in September, revealing the persistence of rising prices as the job market shows signs of cooling and consumers head into the holiday season. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
Originally introduced as a fragrance in the 1990s, Tommy Girl quickly became a pop culture touchstone, with iconic campaigns that captured a new kind of American cool. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025 As the evening cools, the skies will be clear. Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cool
Adjective
  • Or, keep scrolling to see other stylish toiletry bags available from Quince.
    Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Ebern Designs Propane Fire Pit Extend patio season through fall and winter with this stylish fire pit.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Burns decided to take on the Revolution as his next project in the waning months of the Obama administration, a moment that may feel as distant from today as the war itself.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Our dream of going back to the moon and onto Mars and more distant worlds—not least to ensure our species’ survival before the sun flames out and engulfs most of the solar system—can be seen as just one more step in evolution’s long march.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From clever packing solutions and cozy in-flight accessories, to tiny upgrades that make a huge difference midair, all of these travel hacks are pilot-approved for keeping your journey calm, clean, and surprisingly comfortable from takeoff to touchdown.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Pasolini works in an atmosphere of calm.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Take a break from basic vanilla and step into fall with a refreshing apple cold foam.
    Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Pumpkin spice beverages and apple cider are popular fall drinks that can be enjoyed warm or cold.
    Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The combination of snow and strong winds is expected to reduce visibility, create slick and icy roads—particularly on bridges and overpasses—and potentially down trees or branches.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The composite image shows the nucleus or icy, rocky central core of 3I/ATLAS as a large and black dot, along with a white glow — the comet's coma, or atmosphere.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • So the downtown Asian staple moved into a ghost kitchen 13 miles away in Meridian.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2025
  • A day of concerts continued as planned in the downtown Milwaukee park July 12.
    Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Buzelis was awesome in preseason, for what that’s worth, and his 21-point, three-block performance in the opening night win over Detroit included several highlight-worthy clips.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While Plymouth may be known for turkey dinners and the Pilgrims, its food scene has evolved into an awesome melting pot embracing global cuisine.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The film — part chilling revenge thriller and part absurd slapstick — is riveting.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Shared in October by u/pizzalogdong, the pictures show the gray tabby comfortably chilling inside a carrier, as her kittens are wrapped up in warm blankets by the poster.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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