COLD-EYED Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

cold-eyed

adjective

ˈkōld-ˈīd

Definition of cold-eyed

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

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

Adjective

Gudmannsson, who speaks with a detached solemnity, isn’t quite sure what to make of it.

— HubSpot, HubSpot, 1 Oct. 2026
On a map, Newfoundland is a vast, asymmetrical island, cloven by bays and inlets, semi-detached to appendages of land deformed by ancient glaciers scraping over it, leaving glacial striations, grooves and gouges on its granite face.

— Paul Theroux, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of detached

Adjective

The series follows Rafe Spall, an amnesiac Englishman found barely alive in an icy Swiss stream and taken in by a Swiss villager.

— Emily Longeretta, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
As warming forces the krill southward, the penguins can’t follow because the water is too icy for them.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of icy

Adjective

As the men draw closer to the peak, the likelihood of reaching it actually grows more distant.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Henry’s horrified too, but my guy’s also confused because instead of really feeling for what her husband has been through, Julia is cold and distant.

— Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of distant

Adjective

The hotel initially had an intimate oyster bar off its lobby, but that space is now a cool special events venue.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Expect to feel the winds shifting in Northern California Friday, and Saturday for Southern California, as cooler air finally sweeps in.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of cool

Adjective

On a frigid but bright December morning, David Ellison, his top legal chief Makan Delrahim and coterie of executives took over a subterranean space in the New York City office of investment bank UBS.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
The infamous flying-kick-head-butt challenge on Cobi Jones during the 2002 World Cup round of 16 was followed by a kung-fu-like kick on Tim Howard in the frigid Columbus air in World Cup qualifying in 2009.

— Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of frigid

Adjective

The faux-fur lining adds warmth on chilly days, while the cooling memory foam insoles and roomy toe area keep your feet comfortable.

— Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2026
Add the treats to a small boo basket for your dog, or save them for an after-dinner snack for chilly October nights.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of chilly

Adjective

Sand-like granules collecting in gutters, curling or missing shingles, brittle or cracking shingles, sagging sections and indoor leaks or ceiling stains are the standard indicators that a roof is failing.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Studying an intact oarfish is remarkably difficult because their bodies typically disintegrate into brittle segments upon death.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of brittle

Browse Nearby Words

cold creams

cold-eyed

cold feet

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“Cold-eyed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold-eyed. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cold-eyed

adjective

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