cool 1 of 3

Definition of coolnext
1
2
3
4
5
6
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

7

cool

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to chill
to cause to lose heat cool your drinks in the icy mountain stream

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to hush
to become still and orderly after the recess, tempers had cooled, and we could have a civil, rational discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cool

3 of 3

noun

1
2
3

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
An insulated beverage holder keeps drinks cool, while a large zippered storage pocket and adjustable armrests add convenience for camping, tailgating beach days and more. ABC News, 6 June 2026 Temperatures cool by early in the work week down into the mid to upper 80s. Rachael Jay, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Verb
Communities have cited concerns about the massive amounts of water and energy required to power and cool such facilities, worsening air quality and noise pollution in surrounding areas, along with inflated electric bills and whether promises of job creation will materialize. Annie Palmer,samantha Subin,ashley Capoot, CNBC, 1 June 2026 After Adele and her mother had fought, bitterly, about her decision to keep the baby, and then more bitterly about her refusal to find Jamie in Florida and demand child support, Bromley invited her to live with him while things cooled down at home. Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Noun
Parts of Florida, Texas and other Sun Belt markets that once saw pandemic-era demand spikes are now tilting toward buyers as inventory rises and demand cools. Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 22 May 2026 Reassemblage sits on the periphery of vaporwave, populated with cool-to-the-touch synths, but it’s also partially inspired by Japanese environmental music, which is more about tapping into the moment than steeping in weird nostalgia. Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cool
Adjective
  • Round it out with a stylish Béis belt bag to keep airport essentials close at hand, leaving you no excuse to hold up security, knowing the coveted carry is just under $30.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026
  • Zaya Wade is one stylish teenager!
    Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • The distant rumble of the Central line is a reminder that the real world lurks outside this cosseted haven.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Mom got in some distant cousin’s car within twenty minutes of arriving, which wasn’t surprising.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • If caught in a rip current, remain calm.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 June 2026
  • Choose clear words to build calm, trust, and workable agreements.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • The attentive staff carries complimentary sunscreen, cold towels, and mango juice shots straight to your lounge chair.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • At this point, the coffee that remains in their cups has gone cold, and our time is almost up.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • The actress’ hair was coiffed and pulled back with icy blond wisps to frame her face courtesy of hairstylist Rena Calhoun.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
  • That data is crucial to understanding and adapting to climate change and to a vast array of industries on land and at sea like aquaculture, shipping especially through icy waters, coastal tourism, agriculture and even navies, Le Traon said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • The result is a mix of old-school hotel bars, downtown Italian institutions and buzzy French bistros — the kinds of places where A-listers tend to turn up again and again.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 2026
  • The event will feature local artisans selling handmade, original goods while also encouraging patrons to support downtown small businesses, according to a news release.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Yes, the pretty pictures of the Moon were awesome, but the inspiration is far more valuable.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • While domestic is +10% in weekend 3, international is up an awesome +39%.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Insects have to be chilled, packed, transported and released.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 4 June 2026
  • Delicious warm or chilled, brandied peaches make an elegant presentation served alongside vanilla ice cream or a simple vanilla cake like Lewis’ Busy Day Cake, still warm from the oven.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cool. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cool

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster