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
  • One constant is the promise of a sauna (and an icy plunge) at the end of the day.
    — Holden Frith, TheWeek, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Astronomers have witnessed a small, icy body that orbits the sun out beyond Jupiter transforming into a comet, providing a missing link between comets and inert bodies called centaurs.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • Evie felt Atlas’s side of the bed freeze, go stiff, as if frigid air had suddenly come along, causing his breath and all bodily functions to stop.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
  • There are frigid cryotherapy chambers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and exorbitant supplements.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • In addition, Moscow continued its efforts to wreck the Ukrainian power grid before the freezing winter months.
    — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Small problems that seem insignificant now can quickly turn into costly repairs once fall rain, winter snow, ice and freezing temperatures put additional stress on your home.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • The device also includes instant hot and cold under-eye contrast therapy, designed to combine clinical benefits with a spa-like feel.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Isaacson’s 2023 book left a lot of reviewers cold with its lack of criticism but still sold a gazillion copies.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 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
  • Crews may benefit from slightly cooler temperatures in the days ahead, Gass said, and wind conditions are expected to remain fairly calm in both areas.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But this is largely a myth, concocted by critics and cool kids to explain away and undercut the popularity of their music.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • By then the glacier would have received a fresh coating of snow, the sea temperature would be falling again and the residents of Svalbard would be readying themselves for the long polar night.
    — Holden Frith, TheWeek, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In 2016, Moncler Grenoble’s fall New York Fashion Week presentation at Lincoln Center was staged in polar-vortex conditions, transforming the frozen plaza into a live performance stage with 80 performers marching in step.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 3 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on arctic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arctic

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