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
  • Technology is at the heart of facials, especially, from a skin analysis machine and facial sculpting wand to a cryotherapy mask that was positively icy—but also awesome—at -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The situation—his icy glare, the perfect framing—was a bit of stagecraft amid chaos.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • Instead, the frigid, muddy river water rose from ankle deep to chest high in under an hour.
    — Ren Larson, ProPublica, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The elasticity-boosting eye wrinkle cream is among its most affordable and beloved products, with a rich consistency that’s ideal for combating the dry, frigid weather ahead.
    — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • If freezing raw, shape them, freeze on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a bag; thaw in the fridge overnight and brown as directed.
    — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
  • On average, Boise won’t see highs in the freezing range until December rolls around.
    — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • This allows campers and travellers to keep food cold and essentials powered for longer between charges.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Candle warmer lamps in particular are being positioned as flame-free ambiance for daily use rather than as gift-shop items, and heated throws are showing up in reading-and-movie-night framings rather than purely as cold-weather gear.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • The first is a strong area of high pressure over eastern Canada that’s sending crisp and chilly air to the Northeast.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026
  • One side effect of this is a new distance from OpenAI, in addition to its existing chilly relationship with Anthropic, and from the growing number of AI employees in Silicon Valley who also support the calls for a slowdown.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Sep. 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
  • After a cool weekend, and even some brief evening rain for parts of the Central Valley including Sacramento late Sunday, the Golden State is set to bounce back with above-average temperatures as October fast approaches.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • So washing less, and with cooler water rather than hot, could genuinely help our scalp health—especially in colder weather and shifting climates.
    — Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • What exactly triggers rapid true polar wander events and how far the poles move during them remains unknown.
    — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Their graying jowls appear to be melting alongside the polar ice caps.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 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 3 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on arctic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arctic

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