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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
  • The dinner capped a long, but friendly, day of meetings and celebrations, as the world’s two most powerful leaders seek to settle trade differences while simultaneously thawing the icy relationship between the United States and China.
    — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Her icy-gray tresses were elegant yet effortless, but ask any woman who’s ever let her grays grow in — the process is anything but.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • The organic matter was synthesized early, likely out in the frigid outer reaches of the Solar System.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
  • That’s a goal worth keeping in mind as the shifting Western alliance navigates global challenges, even in the frigid north.
    — the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • Panic set in as people scrambled for shore, some slipping into the freezing water, others leaping between breaking chunks of ice.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Since tropical hibiscus can’t survive freezing temperatures, they can be grown as annuals or overwinter indoors in cold regions.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • Yes; there are spa treatments as well as a sauna, cold plunge, and hot tub circuit rooted in a traditional Ahousaht bathing ritual.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026
  • So much of the last season with Charlie [Hunnam] was Charlie [as Ed Gein] in a barn or in a cold house talking to himself.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • This jacket is constructed from a heavyweight cotton, providing an extra layer that keeps you cozy on chilly fall days.
    — Jessie Quinn, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026
  • This classic crewneck transitions effortlessly from day to night and is light enough to toss into your purse to keep on hand for chilly museum visits or cooler evenings.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of chilly
Adjective
  • 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
  • Judd’s furniture asks you to admire it; Heilmann’s asks you to sit down and chill.
    — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of chill
Adjective
  • Their knee-length, wide-leg fit will keep you cool in transitional weather.
    — Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026
  • For the most part, garlic grows best if it’s planted about a week or two after the first killing frost in the fall, followed by exposure to several months of cool weather before the spring season starts.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • Ocean temperatures already are elevated because of a combination of the strengthening El Niño, weather patterns and long-term global warming, melting polar ice caps, pushing tide lines higher and providing extra energy to storms.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The new record, known as the Ice Sheet Mass Balance Inter-comparison Exercise (IMBIE), gives us the most complete look at polar ice loss over past decades.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 23 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on arctic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arctic

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