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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cold-eyed
Credit markets and ratings agencies—whose job is to be cold-eyed about risk—have registered that transformation: Moody’s upgraded the sovereign to Aa3 in Nov. 2024, S&P raised the Kingdom to A+ in March 2025, and Fitch affirmed A+ with a stable outlook in July 2025.
—
Ali Shihabi, Time, 8 Sep. 2025
These were acts of opportunism by a cold-eyed pragmatist.
—James Verini, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 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
Photo: Butch Dill/Associated Press For a political class that likes to think of itself as a hardened cadre of cold-eyed realists, the leadership of the Republican Party has indulged in comically wishful thinking about the most consequential figure in recent political history.
—Gerard Baker, WSJ, 7 Aug. 2023
Better, these analysts argue, to approach the rivalry in realpolitik terms—as a cold-eyed contest over power—and leave values to the side.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 16 Mar. 2021
Ali Shihabi, Time, 8 Sep. 2025
These were acts of opportunism by a cold-eyed pragmatist.
—James Verini, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 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
Photo: Butch Dill/Associated Press For a political class that likes to think of itself as a hardened cadre of cold-eyed realists, the leadership of the Republican Party has indulged in comically wishful thinking about the most consequential figure in recent political history.
—Gerard Baker, WSJ, 7 Aug. 2023
Better, these analysts argue, to approach the rivalry in realpolitik terms—as a cold-eyed contest over power—and leave values to the side.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 16 Mar. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold-eyed
Adjective
-
In dismantling this scaffolding, the Court has left Congress more detached from its electorate, diminishing its claim and role as a representative authority.—
Duncan Hosie,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The detached house was built in 1960.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
After years of enjoying her icy blonde hair, Ariana Grande has now taken it back to the basics.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
12 Jan. 2026
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The sheriff's office said the road was subject to snowy and icy conditions at the time of the incident.—
Nick Lentz,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Spring planting might seem distant, but unseasonably warm days create opportunities to get outside and start preparing your flowerbeds for new growth.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
-
My acceptance precipitated an existential crisis since the job was so distant from what I’d been trained to do.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The slick material keeps chafing to a minimum during workouts, and the brushed inside is so soft against the skin and helps keep cold air out and your body heat in.—
Olivia Dubyak,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
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The heating coils are wrapped tightly and distributed evenly throughout the throw, providing consistent warmth without noticeable cold spots.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Practically speaking, white also helps reflect heat, keeping your body cool in the sun.—
Kristine Hansen,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Jan. 2026
-
These shoes bring the comfort and versatility of your favorite sneaks, but with a distinctly polished, cool-girl edge.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the dangerously frigid conditions outside, Bieganek is thrilled that, after a few thin years, the lake is nearly frozen solid.—
Stephanie Pearson,
Outside,
14 Jan. 2026
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The shooting spree came less than 24 hours after the Lakers, who rank 24th in three-point shooting percentage, were a frigid eight for 36 from deep against Sacramento.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Featuring an oversized cardigan paired with tapered pants, it can easily be paired with a simple tank top, T-shirt, or turtleneck when things get a bit chillier.—
Aly Walansky,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The cotton-blend fabric is made for lightweight warmth to keep the cold at bay without heavy layers on chilly days.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The temperature swings can cause these pieces to become brittle or crack, Argonish says.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
13 Jan. 2026
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But, as had happened so often in the history of brittle regimes, the dictator’s gesture of conciliation was read as desperation.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cold-eyed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold-eyed. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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