cold-shoulder 1 of 2

verb

Definition of cold-shouldernext
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

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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

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-shoulder
Verb
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 Over the next half decade, Biden cold-shouldered the Turkish government. — Kaya Genç, The Dial, 3 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 See All Example Sentences for cold-shoulder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold-shoulder
  1. isolate
  2. dismissal
  3. snub
  4. silent treatment
  5. reject
  6. rebuff
  7. stiff
  8. cut
Verb
  • Victims of this manipulation scheme, Nathan and Aesha conspire to impose on the dinner’s seating arrangements in such a way that Luke is sitting next to Joy, and Gen is isolated at the end of the table.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Words of Advice Feeling isolated after welcoming a baby is more common than many parents realize.
    — Isabel Lopez, Parents, 14 July 2026
Definition of isolate
Noun
  • In its filing seeking dismissal of the case, Paramount’s legal team argued that the plaintiffs — Pamela Faust, Len Marazzo, Lisa McCarthy, Deborah Rubinsohn and Gary Talewsky — do not have standing.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 July 2026
  • The pitching staff has struggled throughout the year, particularly at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park, leading to the dismissal of longtime pitching coach Scott Emerson on Monday.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
Definition of dismissal
Verb
  • A week after being snubbed from the initial All-Star rosters, Wrobleski will replace Reds right-hander Chase Burns.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Despite inviting over 1,000 people to her high-profile wedding with Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce, billionaire pop star Taylor Swift snubbed several important people in her life.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026
Definition of snub
Noun
  • In the present, they’re awkwardly reunited for his brother’s destination wedding in Barcelona, following two years of mutual silent treatment.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Destructive silent treatment creates an imbalanced power dynamic in the relationship.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of silent treatment
Verb
  • What’s troubling to me, besides the obvious, is the insistence on finding a way to continue to eat animals if your body starts to reject them.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
  • Energy and shipping companies have loudly rejected a similar idea from Iran, under which ships would pay a toll in order to pass through the critical waterway.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 13 July 2026
Definition of reject
Noun
  • Despite the Reina Sofía’s many refusals to lend the work to various institutions around the world, its rebuff of the Guggenheim’s request carries a particular sting because the Basque Country has long held that the painting belongs in the place where the depicted tragedy occurred.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The latest rebuff of state overreach was the dismissal last week of the highly questionable felony case against respected Waukegan City Clerk Janet Kilkelly brought by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
    — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of rebuff
Verb
  • This look has the same sophisticated, polished feel of a suit moment without the dedication to stiff layers.
    — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs stiff arms Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
    — Tom Chitty, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of stiff
Verb
  • The first due to a slip from Porro, which allowed Andy Robertson to cut the ball back for McTominay.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • The Odyssey’s crew is full of longtime Nolan collaborators, from cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, who has worked with Nolan since Interstellar, to editor Jennifer Lame, who previously cut Tenet and Oppenheimer.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of cut

Browse Nearby Words

coldness
cold-shoulder
cold shoulder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cold-shoulder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold-shoulder. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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