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as in downtown
slang keenly aware of and responsive to the latest developments especially in fashion and entertainment a Greek island that's the current favorite of the cool crowd

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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cool

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verb

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as in to chill
to cause to lose heat cool your drinks in the icy mountain stream

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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cool

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noun

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a cool head
a rational head
a clear head
a fair-minded head
a steady head
a peaceful head
a cool breeze
a refreshing breeze
a crisp breeze
a fresh breeze
a brisk breeze
a lovely breeze
a cool drink
a chilled drink
an iced drink
an icy drink
a fresh-tasting drink
a frosty drink
a cool place
a popular place
a groovy place
an awesome place
a neat place
an interesting place
cool colors
pretty colors
unique colors
sick colors
funky colors
stylish colors

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cool different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cool are collected, composed, imperturbable, nonchalant, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

Where would collected be a reasonable alternative to cool?

The words collected and cool can be used in similar contexts, but collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When is composed a more appropriate choice than cool?

While in some cases nearly identical to cool, composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

When can imperturbable be used instead of cool?

Although the words imperturbable and cool have much in common, imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

When is it sensible to use nonchalant instead of cool?

The meanings of nonchalant and cool largely overlap; however, nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

When might unruffled be a better fit than cool?

In some situations, the words unruffled and cool are roughly equivalent. However, unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

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 cool
Adjective
Experts say there are ways to save while still staying cool this summer. Talia Wexler, CNBC, 24 June 2025 Millions of people in the U.S. are trying to stay cool as the summer's first major heat wave continues to create dangerous conditions across the Midwest and along the East Coast. Julia Simon, NPR, 24 June 2025
Verb
The park has taken the lower corner, stage left, fenced it off, and invited visitors to cool their heels. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025 With temperatures set to skyrocket into triple digits Tuesday, here are some ways to cool down in the Boston area. Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 24 June 2025
Noun
Ramaphosa, an anti-apartheid activist turned business tycoon, kept his cool. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 23 May 2025 The UConn superstar brought an endless cool to this spring’s March Madness — the 40-point masterclass only supplanted by her title game dominance. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cool
Adjective
  • Growing up, my family would occasionally pile into the car and drive to distant locations for very brief vacations.
    Jason Foodman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • The Iranian regime’s nuclear ambitions are not some distant diplomatic dispute.
    Laurence Milstein, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The protests, which were mostly calm and peaceful, were held in opposition to President Donald Trump's policies and coincided with the controversial parade for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 June 2025
  • These calm and gentle activities by the sea have restorative benefits and are increasingly featured as part of wellness retreats.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • And Some Ice Cream Cream City Ice Cream & Coffeehouse has more than 40 homemade flavors to choose from, plus hot and cold espresso drinks.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
  • Other ways to stay safe during the heat wave include drinking lots of water, wearing light clothing, keeping ovens and stoves shut off and cooling off with a cold bath or ice packs, officials said.
    William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Stock tip: Migrate to icier territories… Aston Villa 6/1 Last five results: WLWWW A two-goal deficit to overcome in the Champions League quarter-final return leg against Paris Saint-Germain next week likely spells the end of Villa’s European aspirations.
    Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The relationship between Ye and Cole has been icy for some time.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These roomy parachute cargo pants are functional but stylish and—especially for Tokyo, a city known for being a street fashion hub.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025
  • One of the biggest struggles of dressing for the summer heat is finding a pair of sandals that are both stylish and comfortable.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Shark Tank had to be downtown, so downtown had to get bigger.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Brian Hopkins, 2nd, whose ward includes Streeterville, responded by calling (not for the first time) for moving the existing 10 p.m. curfew for minors who are downtown without an accompanying adult back to 8 p.m.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 June 2025
  • The whole thing is sprawling, wild, fun, overwhelming, and awesome.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Beijing Institute of Technology A cold plate at the bottom of the cell was used to chill and freeze the water, forming a slab of ice.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 June 2025
  • Netflix may entice its subscribers to chill, but the global streamer is working on new offerings and deals to future-proof its content lineup and business.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cool. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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