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 Seven forms of hyaluronic acid drench skin with hydration to offset the dryness mineral SPFs can sometimes leave behind, while echinacea and arctic root extracts keep excess sebum in check. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 May 2026 Due to Silfra’s arctic water temperatures of 35 degrees Fahrenheit, we were required to wear warm thermals as our base layer. — Carinne Geil Botta, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2026 In this case, the brutal arctic winds met Peter I Island, which spun them into these striking shapes. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 12 May 2026 The dogs are more reliable than machines would be in sub-arctic temperatures, the website further states. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 8 May 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
  • Alaska is a state of pure beauty—a vast, beautiful destination filled with icy fjords and snowy peaks.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
  • More crucially, it was used during a sequence set along an icy river while George Washington is traversing the uncharted Ohio Territory wilderness.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 7 July 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • The Falkland Islands, the English call the windswept, rocky outcrops in the frigid south Atlantic Ocean.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2026
  • In the first room, a hulking pair of Nazi overboots, used by German infantry to guard against frigid Russian winters during World War II, serves as the centerpiece of a display on the symbolism of footwear.
    — Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • If freezing temperatures are predicted, pick any ripe fruit and cover the trunks of young trees with burlap or newspaper to insulate them.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 July 2026
  • The injured climber couldn’t continue, forcing the pair to spend a freezing night on the mountain with limited supplies.
    — James Ward, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • Inspectors also noticed that cold foods were being held at incorrect temperatures, according to the report.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • Ceviche arrives bright and cold, sharpened by citrus, softened by fresh seafood, and lifted with herbs and heat.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • On a chilly afternoon in March 2018, two people were found slumped on a bench in an outdoor shopping complex in the city’s center.
    — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Warm, soft, and timeless, this full-zip hoodie is perfect for wearing on a chilly plane, then tossing in a suitcase after the flight.
    — Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Definition of chilly
Adjective
  • The 25, also non-chill filtered, is bottled at 47 percent ABV (94 proof), and that higher proof goes a long way to unlocking the flavor here.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 June 2026
  • It was bottled at 43% ABV and is non-chill filtered.
    — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Definition of chill
Adjective
  • The fabric feels cool against my skin and never sticks or clings, even on warmer nights.
    — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • Of course, when training in heat and humidity, staying hydrated is critical as well as attempts to stay as cool as possible when training during hot temperatures.
    — Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • Hughes plays Laura’s older sister (and polar opposite), Mary Ingalls.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026
  • Moscow has also sought to boost its military presence in the polar region, home to its Northern Fleet and a site where the Soviet Union tested nuclear weapons.
    — Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on arctic

Nglish: Translation of arctic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arctic

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