having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
the locals were cool towards outsidersthe schoolmaster's cool manner did not encourage chitchat
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
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
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of cool
Adjective
The defense generated no sacks, and offseason pass rushing acquisitions Von Miller and Rashan Gary still haven’t done much other than look cool in their Dallas Cowboys uniforms.—Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Sep. 2026 His Vetements project — cofounded in 2014 with his brother Gurum Gvasalia — ignited a streetwear movement with oversize fashion designs, $800 hoodies and cool sneakers.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
21 Sep. 2026
Verb
That said, scientists have now created a printable textile that can cool, detect movement, and generate electricity without external systems or multiple layers.—New Atlas,
27 Sep. 2026 The plant is not in service but needs power to keep cooling systems running and maintain safety.—Los Angeles Times,
27 Sep. 2026
Noun
The first half was clunky, but — as usual — Moore kept his cool and was at his best in the critical moments.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2026 His footage reveals the movement of plasma within the loops, including 'coronal rain' as material cools and falls back towards the lower solar atmosphere along magnetic field lines.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cool
In Milan, Jennifer Lopez, Pamela Anderson and Jordyn Woods made stylish appearances at Vogue World, while in Los Angeles, Issa Rae and Lauren Graham stunned at Variety’s 2026 Power of Women event.
—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2026
The New York menswear brand has teamed up with the folks at Bose on an ultra-stylish pair of second-generation QuietComfort Ultra cans, which nabbed the accolade of best noise-canceling headphones in our 2026 Audio Awards.
To the left and right are the high ramparts of Sleeping Bear Dunes, the distant wedge that is South Manitou Island and unbelievably blue water.
—
Mike Norton,
Midwest Living,
26 Sep. 2026
The nation's constant refrain — stay out of our internal affairs — reflects its history of trying to secure the edges of the country that are distant from Beijing.
The beach is right there for swimming and paddleboarding when the surf is calm, and the trails through the dunes are manageable for kids old enough to walk them without being carried.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Sep. 2026
Notice what would make the space or situation feel safer, calmer, or more like your own.
The dinner capped a long, but friendly, day of meetings and celebrations, as the world’s two most powerful leaders seek to settle trade differences while simultaneously thawing the icy relationship between the United States and China.
—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Sep. 2026
Her icy-gray tresses were elegant yet effortless, but ask any woman who’s ever let her grays grow in — the process is anything but.
The 30-year-old anti-hipster apparently wanted none of that, so went to the beach, chilled and listened to one of her heros, alt-rock legend Liz Phair.
—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
15 Sep. 2026
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