cold 1 of 3

adjective

ˈkōld How to pronounce cold (audio)
Definition of coldnext
1
as in freezing
having a low or subnormal temperature the cold climate of the Yukon an unusually cold spring that was followed by a sweltering summer

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2
as in icy
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling the prisoners got only a cold stare when they tried to befriend the guard

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3
as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others received a cold reception from the hostess

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4
as in unconscious
having lost consciousness the boxer was out cold for a few minutes

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5
as in dark
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer the couple practiced a cold civility with each other, but they hadn't had a heart-to-heart talk in years

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6
as in fallen
no longer living paramedics tried to revive him, but he was already cold

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cold

2 of 3

noun

as in freeze
a weather condition marked by low temperatures the cold will stay with us for another day, then temperatures should rise

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cold

3 of 3

adverb

as in plain

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Dissimilar Words

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 cold
Adjective
Yet, this gaming and entertainment venue delivers exactly what post-game crowds want — slots, table games, live music and cold drinks without the production of a mega-resort. — Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 Not too beige, not too eggshell, not too bluish cold like snow. — Literary Hub, 22 July 2026
Noun
Housing costs are the third-lowest in the country in the Sunflower State, but as is the case with many of its Midwest neighbors, insurance costs are rising with the increase in severe storms, summer heat, and winter cold. — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 10 July 2026 Any winter brings a respiratory infection outbreak and a higher incidence of coughs and colds. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 8 July 2026
Adverb
Tuesday will start out cold but turn milder by the afternoon, and the coming days will bring several chances of rain. — Joseph Dames, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026 The animals can recover from their cold-stunned state. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold
  1. freezing
  2. icy
  3. distant
  4. unconscious
  5. dark
  6. fallen
  7. freeze
  8. plain
Adjective
  • For even more dramatic alpine scenery, make the drive to Glacier National Park to hike beneath glaciers, spot rushing waterfalls fed by ancient ice fields, and brave a freezing cold plunge in an aquamarine glacier lake.
    — Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • While Io itself is far too hostile to support life, microwave instruments can also probe beneath icy surfaces.
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 July 2026
  • Page, an imposing figure in his double-breasted suit, can add a seductive lilt to his booming bass or an icy edge that provides a peek into his embittered soul.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • That microscopic shift alters the laser beams ever so slightly, producing a tiny flicker of light that alerts scientists to a distant cosmic event.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 25 July 2026
  • For more than a decade, including when his party controlled both houses of Congress and the White House, the high school football star in his distant youth has been unable to move the ball a single yard.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • Importantly, this is happening at an unconscious level, meaning that women aren’t necessarily purposefully excluded at work.
    — Melissa A. Wheeler, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Officers found Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and 8-month-old Callan unconscious.
    — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of unconscious
Adjective
  • Skywatchers should find dark locations and look north, as the aurora's intensity also hinges on the solar wind's magnetic field orientation.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • And in a dark time for the world, a magnificent tournament helped make the world feel a little smaller.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • Three of the fallen soldiers whose bodies were returned to the United States were killed by Iranians attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 23 July 2026
  • The broadcaster went on to shout out a couple of his fallen comrades.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026
Definition of fallen
Noun
  • Across Texas, farmers faced freezes, hail, heavy winds, rainfall and lack thereof.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026
  • When it was threatened by a winter freeze, Rowlings pulled out all the stops.
    — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
Definition of freeze
Adverb
  • Well-fitting clothing is especially key for petite fashion lovers like me, because when proportions are off, an outfit can quickly turn frumpy, not to mention just plain uncomfortable.
    — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 18 July 2026
  • In the eighth inning, Hughes was plain crazy, and five singles, a double, a sacrifice and one base on balls produced six runs.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Definition of plain

Phrases Containing cold

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col
cold
cold-blooded
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Cite this Entry

“Cold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cold

Nglish: Translation of cold for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cold

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