arctic

adjective

ˈärk-tik How to pronounce arctic (audio)
Definition of arcticnext
1
as in icy
having a low or subnormal temperature the arctic air of deep winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frigid
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling received the usual arctic reception from her in-laws at Thanksgiving

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 arctic Pool 5’s relatively arctic conditions are designed to constrict blood vessels, which boosts endorphins and energy levels. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026 The aching cold of that sub-arctic river was taking the horse’s strength. — Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026 Havoc-type arctic chill beats for Wiki. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026 Snow was falling in Central Florida after a strong arctic front socked the region with three days of bitter cold, along with nearly an inch of snow. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for arctic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arctic
  1. icy
  2. frigid
  3. freezing
  4. cold
  5. chilly
  6. chill
  7. cool
  8. polar
Adjective
  • In winter, some wetlands become more accessible as thick, spongelike layers of organic-rich peat freeze solid and become strong enough to support snow machines on their icy surfaces.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Set against the Swiss Alps, the story follows an Englishman (Spall) found barely alive in an icy mountain stream by local woman Alma (Deleila Piasko) and her young son, Franz.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • This unique trait has led planetary scientists to hypothesize that the asteroid formed in the frigid outer solar system and migrated inward early in the solar system's history.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The arid and sublime West, the sunny South, the frigid Midwest or the dense East — populations ebb and flow in each.
    — Washington Post Opinions, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • And the moist, insulated microclimate under leaf litter is also critical for terrestrial amphibians, including frogs and salamanders, to survive freezing temperatures.
    — Manjot Kaur Sidhu, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Toward the end of the freezing time, preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the center position.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • That level of pure confidence while talking to the person with cold, hard footage is what makes Lisa Barlow the perfect Real Housewife.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Shea’s supervisor confronted her when Shea’s findings in a cold case could not be replicated.
    — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • The faux-fur lining adds warmth on chilly days, while the cooling memory foam insoles and roomy toe area keep your feet comfortable.
    — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Add the treats to a small boo basket for your dog, or save them for an after-dinner snack for chilly October nights.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of chilly
Adjective
  • The group’s trademark sense of space, room for the sax, Sandman’s voice, and ear candy like acoustic guitar, echoey cymbals, and distant piano, and their uniquely chill sense of melody take cente rstage on the song.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The Asics Gel-SlowCush prioritizes comfort while being recommended for recovery runs, low-intensity training or merely chill jaunts.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of chill
Adjective
  • All 150 king rooms have private terraces, with pale woods and décor in cool taupe shades, while some of the suites have plunge pools, private gardens or two bedrooms.
    — Siobhan Grogan, TheWeek, 12 Oct. 2026
  • RedMagic, for example, uses a 3D vapor chamber with a composite liquid metal and a fan to keep the 11S Pro gaming phone running cool.
    — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • As polar ice melts in the Arctic, shipping lanes are opening up, making the region a new zone of superpower competition.
    — Dave Davies, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026
  • True polar wander is not the same as a change in the rotational axis of the Earth.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of polar

Browse Nearby Words

arcs
arctic
ardency
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Cite this Entry

“Arctic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arctic. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arctic

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