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
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 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
  • Hospitals there were overwhelmed, and many families lacked running water or space to isolate sick relatives.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 July 2026
  • Instead, isolate it in a separate room—or at least several feet away from other plants—for two to four weeks.
    — Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 21 July 2026
Definition of isolate
Noun
  • The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) explored the candidacy of various coaches in the wake of McCullum’s dismissal from the red-ball role.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • Suda filed suit for wrongful dismissal, and the museum countersued her for theft; the conflict is set to be resolved via arbitration, at a judge’s order, later this year.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 29 July 2026
Definition of dismissal
Verb
  • LeBron snubs Heat for Philly, Spain celebrates World Cup, Messi rests as MLS resumes, football returns as Dolphins/Canes open camps, Marlins’ skid at 11 and more.
    — Greg Cote July 26, Miami Herald, 26 July 2026
  • After leading Prairie View to its best season in decades, coach Tremaine Jackson fights for deserved HBCU recognition after a Texas convention snub.
    — Jason Kirk, New York Times, 24 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
  • After spending months negotiating a pricey purchase of the private fuel yard that keeps PortMiami ships running, two top deputies to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava were shocked when their boss abruptly rejected the deal.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026
  • Concerns Government staff forwarded a recommendation from the Landmarks Commission to reject the request.
    — Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Definition of reject
Noun
  • The rebuff contributes to the future civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, in which Rhaenyra battles her half-brother Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) for the seat of power.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of rebuff
Verb
  • Dolan then appeared to take a shot at Mamdani during the team's victory celebration at City Hall and did his best to stiff him in a photo op.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • This look has the same sophisticated, polished feel of a suit moment without the dedication to stiff layers.
    — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
Definition of stiff
Verb
  • At the same time, the data shows, courts have severely cut the length of time many people are getting to prepare for complex immigration proceedings, from about six months to often just a little more than a month.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Using a paring knife, mark a smaller square inside each pastry square, leaving a 1/2 inch border (do not cut all the way through the dough).
    — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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