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cold-eyed

adjective

ˈkōld-ˈīd How to pronounce cold-eyed (audio)
Definition of cold-eyednext
1
as in detached
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others the attendant's cold-eyed stare discouraged any thoughts about having a conversation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in icy
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling under the cold-eyed gaze of the director, I auditioned for the part

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 cold-eyed Played by a Colman Domingo who is done up to look the most wax figurine of them all in a shellacking of makeup, prosthetics, and colored contacts, Joe is always either giving an avaricious open-mouthed leer or a cold-eyed glare. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026 Yet, however eager the demonstrations of Denmark’s contribution and NATO’s collective goodwill may be, a more cold-eyed rationale may lie beneath their surface. — Lisa Abend, Time, 18 Jan. 2026 The patriarch would like the ladies and Coleman to join him forthwith in Mexico; the letter’s bearer – a cold-eyed brute named Amos Turlow – will serve as guide. — Erin Douglass, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2025 Acknowledging this is cold-eyed realism; humiliating and undercutting an ally, perhaps with worse to come in the form of a sweetheart deal for Moscow, is not. — The Editors, National Review, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cold-eyed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold-eyed
  1. detached
  2. icy
  3. distant
  4. cold
  5. cool
  6. frigid
  7. chilly
  8. brittle
Adjective
  • The regulations list possibilities including guest houses, caretaker residences, cabanas, gyms, libraries, pool houses, boat houses and detached garages.
    — Luisa Yanez Updated September 3, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The former Feyenoord boss stood accused of being too detached from the local fanbase.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of detached
Adjective
  • Only the director is clearly visible, with co-director Szor serving as cinematographer along with an unnamed camera crew, capturing 24 difficult conversations in front of nighttime cityscapes that have the icy feel of a Michael Mann movie.
    — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The temperature might be warmer for the rematch but the reception might be just as icy.
    — Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • Growing up in nearby Long Island, where my parents moved partially due to fear of what would happen next, the attacks felt like a distant but ever-present part of my life.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026
  • This week is a great time to find it because Neptune soon reaches opposition within Pisces, making the distant planet brighter than at any other time this year.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • Bronwyn’s mother, Muzzy, who was lambasted all of last season for being cold and arguably cruel to her daughter, is notably softer in her first scene back — though the bob is as cunty as ever.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • At Fuerte Guaicaipuro, a military facility, investigators documented detainees being confined in pit-like cells dug below ground level and subjected to cold, food deprivation and other degrading treatment.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • The neighborhood/area Located in Westchester County, the town of Bedford boasts a few cool must-sees, like the 4,300-acre Ward Pound Ridge park and the historic home of Founding Father John Jay.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • There was nothing that had escaped being stamped with the Festival’s ubiquitous emblem–sweets, cigarettes, perfume, even sandals–Specially designed to keep you cool and smartly shod for fun-loving Festival walking!
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • For the first few days, they were held in a room crammed with up to 80 men, with just a handful of open toilets, in frigid conditions and with only a thin towel to sleep under, before being moved to two-person cells.
    — Hanna Park, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The frigid temperatures, ice, and snow will all wear down the components faster than if the unit is stored inside during the cold months.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of frigid
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
  • That converts execution from brittle screen-scraping into a clean engineering problem.
    — Oleg Nesterov, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Ever Pure Thickening Sulfate-Free Shampoo is for everyone, but especially for those who would describe their hair as thin, brittle, weak, prone to breakage, and slow to grow.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of brittle

Browse Nearby Words

cold creams
cold-eyed
cold feet
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Cite this Entry

“Cold-eyed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold-eyed. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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