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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of cold-shoulder
Alessandra Schade, Time, 5 Aug. 2025
The hugs stop and the arguments, the phone obsession, and the huffing cold shoulder starts.
—Cyndy Etler, Hartford Courant, 28 July 2025
Many experts say that migration levels are mainly driven by economic and humanitarian emergencies in the source countries, with the official cold shoulder in destination countries having had little impact in deterring migrants.
—CNN Money, 26 June 2025
My first issue, in January, launched Nan Goldin’s campaign against the Sackler family for their role in the opioid epidemic, and this action has inspired cold shoulders from the philanthropic class.
—David Velasco, Harpers Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023
See All Example Sentences for cold-shoulder
Noun
These rules were administered via cold shoulders and whispers.
—Alessandra Schade, Time, 5 Aug. 2025
The hugs stop and the arguments, the phone obsession, and the huffing cold shoulder starts.
—Cyndy Etler, Hartford Courant, 28 July 2025
Many experts say that migration levels are mainly driven by economic and humanitarian emergencies in the source countries, with the official cold shoulder in destination countries having had little impact in deterring migrants.
—CNN Money, 26 June 2025
My first issue, in January, launched Nan Goldin’s campaign against the Sackler family for their role in the opioid epidemic, and this action has inspired cold shoulders from the philanthropic class.
—David Velasco, Harpers Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023
See All Example Sentences for cold-shoulder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold-shoulder
Verb
-
The tide could be a foot higher than the point where major flooding begins that can produce severe damage to homes and businesses, making some roads impassable and isolating neighborhoods.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Aid is expected to flow into Gaza, where scenes of devastation and hunger, as well as a famine declaration, have prompted outrage around the world and left Israel isolated diplomatically.—
Yamiche Alcindor,
NBC news,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Dellinger challenged his dismissal in a lawsuit but later dropped the suit.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Their dismissals seem like a matter of when, not if.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
So Evason’s my pick, but he could totally get snubbed for a newer hire, such as Glen Gulutzan or Sullivan.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Unfortunately, the drama from Taylor Sheridan was snubbed by the Emmys this year, though Thornton did score a Golden Globe nomination for his role as Tommy.—
Tom Tapp,
Deadline,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Destructive silent treatment creates an imbalanced power dynamic in the relationship.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
In some practical ways, the show remains weighted toward Judas, as Christ gets a big standout number near the top of the second act, but then goes on to pretty much give Kings Herod and Pilate and the audience the strong, silent treatment after that.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals later rejected a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel against him.—
Amy Yurkanin,
ProPublica,
9 Oct. 2025
-
The Senate rejected Democratic and Republican plans to reopen the government Thursday, its seventh attempt to break the stalemate.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The matter-of-fact rebuff feels very French, very Oklou.—
Anna Gaca,
Pitchfork,
1 Oct. 2025
-
There was a unilateral rebuff toward the idea that the industry is experiencing a drummer shortage in general.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Testers noted how plush or stiff the mattress felt after consistent sleep on the mattresses, from a boxed memory foam to a hybrid bed.—
Kristi Kellogg,
Architectural Digest,
5 Oct. 2025
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When your sugar mixture reaches 230°F, begin beating your egg whites to firm peak stage; egg whites will hold their shape but not quite to stiff peak stage.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Timberview had cut the lead to 32-22 but couldn’t stop the Jaguars’ rushing attack.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Oct. 2025
-
The Philippine Fault Zone, which cuts across the archipelago, is one of many active faults responsible for significant seismic events.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cold-shoulder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold-shoulder. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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