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 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 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 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
  • These women of the W aren’t the only professional athletes to point out their icy relationship with their commissioner.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • For an additional pop of color, Cardi wore her hair in an icy blue bob that was parted to the side and curled under at the ends.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • Instead of a steady stream, rising water churns turbulently against the frigid walls of the fractures, rapidly losing heat.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Although arid and frigid today, researchers believe that the mountain’s foothills hosted waterways billions of years ago.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 July 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • Above the freezing level, droplets become ice crystals whose collisions separate electrical charges, as in an ordinary thunderstorm.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • Monarch caterpillars eat only milkweed, which grows best in cooler climates, but the butterflies can’t tolerate freezing temperatures.
    — Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • Boxwood is generally easy to grow and cold-tolerant, meaning its leaves stay on the plant year-round.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Receive free cold beverages at budget-friendly hotels, or pay more for places with welcome champagne and a rooftop pool with Gaudí views.
    — Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • The chilliest option on this list, ice diving at Ultima Hotel Courchevel is a thrilling, health-boosting, and mood-enhancing water experience.
    — Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • This weekend, daytime highs in Eureka will be in the mid-to-upper 60s — cooler even than San Francisco, so famed for its chilly summers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of chilly
Adjective
  • According to the company, corn is sourced primarily within 100 miles of the distillery, and the whiskey receives minimal non-chill filtration before bottling.
    — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Make sure to choose an apple variety suited to your climate, as apples also need a certain number of chill hours to make fruit.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026
Definition of chill
Adjective
  • Once a theater, this is now a center of cool with a restaurant, bar, and menswear shop.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Let the cake cool slightly, for about 15 minutes, before drizzling the pudding over the top.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • From the polar regions of Russia, Norway, Canada and Alaska, scientists took thousands of permafrost samples, measured the weight and burnt them at around 850 degrees Fahrenheit, then measured the weight of the rocks and minerals that didn’t burn.
    — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • In The Last Person on Earth, Perel and a team of matchmakers will bring together couples who appear to be polar opposites, before embarking on an adventure in one of the world’s most romantic and remote destinations.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 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 8 Aug. 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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