Synonyms of cold-shoulder

cold-shoulder 1 of 2

verb

as in to isolate

to deliberately ignore or treat rudely

cold-shouldered by his old friends after his family had lost all of its money

Synonyms & Similar Words

• isolate
• snub
• reject
• stiff
• cut
• slight
• repulse
• stiff-arm
• high-hat
• repel
• neglect
• forget
• disdain
• spurn
• overlook
• ostracize
• scorn
• rebuff
• disregard
• brush (aside or off)
• pass over
• shrug off
• overpass

cold shoulder

2 of 2

noun

as in dismissal

treatment that is deliberately unfriendly

at the party the two former friends consciously gave each other the cold shoulder

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dismissal
• silent treatment
• rebuff
• snub
• rejection
• repulse
• brush-off
• banishment
• ostracism
• kiss-off
• blackball

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• open arms
• acceptance
• welcome
• embrace
• welcome mat
• glad hand

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cold-shoulder

Verb

One cringe-inducing scene shows George Michael literally cold-shoulder the esteemed director. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 28 July 2026

Consignment stores rely on stocking items that feel current, so anything that screams a specific past era—think cold-shoulder tops or a bandage dress—isn’t likely to make the cut. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026

Noun

Three years removed from his last season in Packers green and gold, the future Hall of Famer offered no cold shoulders or steely stares toward former teammates and coaches. — Mike Jones, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2025

But the internet seems to have already turned a cold shoulder towards the product. — Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025