as in dismissals
treatment that is deliberately unfriendly
at the party the two former friends consciously gave each other the cold shoulder
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in isolates
to deliberately ignore or treat rudely
cold-shouldered by his old friends after his family had lost all of its money
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cold shoulders
Alessandra Schade, Time, 5 Aug. 2025
My first issue, in January, launched Nan Goldin’s campaign against the Sackler family for their role in the opioid epidemic, and this action has inspired cold shoulders from the philanthropic class.
—David Velasco, Harpers Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023
Noun
These rules were administered via cold shoulders and whispers.
—Alessandra Schade, Time, 5 Aug. 2025
My first issue, in January, launched Nan Goldin’s campaign against the Sackler family for their role in the opioid epidemic, and this action has inspired cold shoulders from the philanthropic class.
—David Velasco, Harpers Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold shoulders
Noun
-
The Justice Department has appealed the Oregon, California and Michigan dismissals.—
Rebecca Boone,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Many of these dismissals were a result of the difference between what police need to arrest and what prosecutors need to prove guilt — which is a much higher burden, said DA spokesperson Mike Stolp.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Meek’s best writing often isolates intimate moments with tenderness and relatability.—
Dean Van Nguyen,
Pitchfork,
27 Feb. 2026
-
This not only ensures sufficient power delivery, but also effectively isolates any electromagnetic interference to the analog signal from the digital architecture – all in the name of optimum listening.—
Stefan Ionescu
February 24,
New Atlas,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Her death certificate lists the cause as accidental, but her dad rejects that with every fiber of his being.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Lyons, like Kennedy and other anti-vaccine advocates, rejects the idea that MAHA is anti-vaccine, instead casting it as an effort to challenge taboos and champion medical freedom.—
Tom Bartlett,
The Atlantic,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The season’s three biggest acting snubs got to introduce their casting directors during this segment, which was a nice way to give them flowers for strong performances.—
William Earl,
Variety,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Just about any set of nominations, let alone wins, comes with articles citing surprises and snubs.—
Rich Heldenfels,
Boston Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Mikal Bridges cuts from the top of the 3-point line under the rim, forcing the closest big man, Jakob Poeltl, to make a decision.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Like Xcel Energy, PG&E cuts the electricity when conditions are ripe for wildfires.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sigmund Freud believed that every crush has a strand of disgust, that people are attracted to what repulses them.—
Daniel Felsenthal,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Charlie, though, is trying to keep them out of a country that thoroughly repulses him.—
Alexander Nazaryan,
New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cold shoulders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold%20shoulders. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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