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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of cold-shoulder
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
Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
Stories include a brick thrown through a home's window, slurs hurled at a public pool, middle fingers extended out of car windows, and an overall cold shoulder from neighbors.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
In the real world, this would be a cue for some halting, awkward small talk, perhaps, or a passive-aggressive nod of acknowledgement, or just a simple cold shoulder.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
Stories include a brick thrown through a home's window, slurs hurled at a public pool, middle fingers extended out of car windows, and an overall cold shoulder from neighbors.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cold-shoulder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold-shoulder
Verb
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On one third-and-goal at the start of that second quarter, Carr checked a call at the line of scrimmage; York looked and pointed to his left at Notre Dame receiver Malachi Fields, isolated against A&M cornerback Will Lee III.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
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May 7 Health authorities in Switzerland, Britain, the Netherlands, France, Singapore, South Africa and other countries have isolated former passengers who have already left the ship and are tracing those who may have been in contact with them.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Fani, who remains an associate professor, claimed his dismissal followed pressure from pro-Israel groups.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
At the time of his death, the 53-year-old president was enmeshed in a constitutional crisis over his tenure, and his ruling by decree following his dismissal of the Parliament.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Chess, starring Michele, Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher, was notably also snubbed in the best revival of a musical category.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
5 May 2026
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But Minogue is catching flack from multiple angles for challenging Healey to debates while snubbing numerous requests from fellow Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve, who made the ballot with just over 15% of the vote at the convention.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
2 May 2026
Noun
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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
Verb
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The court rejected the argument, concluding that a prospective rate hearing — unlike that on the response time — would be considered contested and the utility would have the opportunity to challenge the finding of imprudence then.—
Edmund H. Mahony,
Hartford Courant,
29 Apr. 2026
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The legislation passed with broad bipartisan support in the Senate, but some Republicans rejected the bill, opposing earmarking millions more to maintain the fortified Capitol and equip it with the staff necessary to keep the screenings going.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Verb
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Generally, my blowout starts to get limp and stiff around day three (despite sleeping in overnight blowout rods), but the week of my Cécred test, my mane still looked fresh-out-the-salon by day five.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
22 Mar. 2026
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Testers noted how plush or stiff the mattress felt after consistent sleep on the mattresses, from a boxed memory foam to a hybrid bed.—
Kristi Kellogg,
Architectural Digest,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The shutdown has had a massive impact on the finances of Iranians whose businesses rely on internet access and has also effectively cut the people off from the outside world.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
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After being cut from the high school team each of his first three years, Sloane piled on some muscle, increased the velocity on his fastball and drew college interest last summer.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cold-shoulder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold-shoulder. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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