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
-
Analysts believe the dismissals are meant both to reform and modernize the military and to ensure Communist Party control over the People's Liberation Army.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Another 84,000 cases ended in dismissals, but that outcome wasn’t reflected in their criminal history either.—
Jason Henry,
Daily News,
1 Mar. 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
-
If your child rejects a new dish, don't give up hope.—
Barrie Gillies,
Parents,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Many expect a work stoppage — and possibly the cancellation of games for the first time since 1995 — as the MLB owners push for a salary cap and the players union rejects one.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Want even more news on the latest nominations, snubs, and acceptance speeches?—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Check out some of the night’s biggest snubs and surprises below.—
William Earl,
Variety,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The footage inside the silicone throat was shot weeks prior; when the camera cuts to Howard, production used scopes of different lengths to indicate how far the tube may have gone down his throat.—
Marah Eakin,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
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Usually when the economy is unsteady and the job market is weakening, the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates to give things a boost.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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 13 Mar. 2026.
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