cold wave

noun

Definition of cold wavenext
as in cold
a weather condition marked by low temperatures the unseasonable cold wave in the Northeast has already put a strain on oil supplies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 cold wave In Minneapolis, the worst of an extreme cold wave was over, but protesters calling for ICE to leave Minnesota on Saturday still faced an outdoor temperature of minus 6 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 21 Celsius). — Thomas Peipert, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026 There are two cold waves that will begin to push toward Colorado between now and the weekend. — Dave Aguilera, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026 Deadly snowstorms and cold waves have hammered the eastern third of the country. — Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 5 Jan. 2026 Travelers and residents should stay informed about forecast changes, particularly as storm tracks and cold wave durations remain uncertain. — Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cold wave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold wave
  1. cold
  2. freeze
Noun
  • Batteries can store electricity, but extreme cold can threaten sensitive electronics and other critical hardware.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The first half of October is usually a safe bet for thick coats without battling extreme cold and snow.
    — Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of cold
Noun
  • This allows the battery to preserve its structural integrity and performance through brutal winter freezes and intense fast-charging cycles alike.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Labor issues such as the one threatening Major League Baseball could put a freeze on valuations.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of freeze

Browse Nearby Words

cold wars
cold wave
coleader
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cold wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold%20wave. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of prowess

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All