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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
  • Mayor Karen Bass and billionaire developer Rick Caruso appeared together at a groundbreaking for the new Palisades Recreation Center on Tuesday, in a sign that the sometimes icy relationship between the two 2022 mayoral rivals is thawing.
    — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Indeed, the polar opposite of both Number One’s icy demeanor and Chapel’s long-suffering yearning, Majel is remembered by friends and colleagues as a boisterous, brassy, take-no-prisoners presence.
    — Scott Huver, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • For the first few days, they were held in a room crammed with up to 80 men, with just a handful of open toilets, in frigid conditions and with only a thin towel to sleep under, before being moved to two-person cells.
    — Hanna Park, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The frigid temperatures, ice, and snow will all wear down the components faster than if the unit is stored inside during the cold months.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • But just outside in the freezing terrain lies a woman who appears to be frozen in the snow.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Fall brings cooler weather and colorful leaves, while winter offers fewer crowds but freezing nights and possible snow and ice.
    — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • Bronwyn’s mother, Muzzy, who was lambasted all of last season for being cold and arguably cruel to her daughter, is notably softer in her first scene back — though the bob is as cunty as ever.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • At Fuerte Guaicaipuro, a military facility, investigators documented detainees being confined in pit-like cells dug below ground level and subjected to cold, food deprivation and other degrading treatment.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • The Vuori Women’s Sedona Pullover Hoodie is cropped and crafted from super-soft French terry, while the Vuori Women’s Alltheform Fitness Jacket is the perfect moisture-wicking layer for chilly morning runs.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The thick knit has rib detailing throughout the sweater, and the material is breathable to work for chilly days and nights.
    — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of chilly
Adjective
  • Judd’s furniture asks you to admire it; Heilmann’s asks you to sit down and chill.
    — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Older age statements, barrel-strength bottlings, non-chill filtration, single barrels, micro-batches and distinctive packaging led to sustained success in export markets like Japan and Europe.
    — Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of chill
Adjective
  • The neighborhood/area Located in Westchester County, the town of Bedford boasts a few cool must-sees, like the 4,300-acre Ward Pound Ridge park and the historic home of Founding Father John Jay.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • There was nothing that had escaped being stamped with the Festival’s ubiquitous emblem–sweets, cigarettes, perfume, even sandals–Specially designed to keep you cool and smartly shod for fun-loving Festival walking!
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • The international collaboration of polar scientists, headed by the European Space Agency, had in the past only looked at ice sheet melt since the 1990s based on European satellite data.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Indeed, the polar opposite of both Number One’s icy demeanor and Chapel’s long-suffering yearning, Majel is remembered by friends and colleagues as a boisterous, brassy, take-no-prisoners presence.
    — Scott Huver, HollywoodReporter, 16 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 19 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on arctic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arctic

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