cool 1 of 3

adjective

ˈkül How to pronounce cool (audio)
Definition of coolnext
1
as in stylish
slang being in the latest or current fashion had a cool new hairstyle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others the locals were cool towards outsiders the schoolmaster's cool manner did not encourage chitchat

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3
as in calm
free from emotional or mental agitation in a crisis keep a cool head, even if no one else is

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4
as in cold
having a low or subnormal temperature a cool basement that would be perfect for storing wine

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5
as in icy
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling directed a cool glance at the student who was sneaking into class late

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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

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7
as in awesome
slang of the very best kind a really cool garage band that's starting to get some attention from the music industry

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cool

2 of 3

verb

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

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

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cool

3 of 3

noun

1
as in detachment
the absence of emotional involvement the judge's customary cool stood her in good stead during the sensational trial

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2
as in fashionableness
the quality or state of being fashionable a designer who was the arbiter of cool

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3
as in composure
evenness of emotions or temper despite the flood of insults, the fledgling stand-up comic never lost his cool

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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

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

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
Remove declining cool season crops and replant with warm season vegetables. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 Store them in one layer to avoid crushing, and keep them in cool, dry conditions in the fridge to hinder mold growth. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
This design enables use across a range of environments—from outdoor gatherings to event spaces—where traditional wine cooling methods may be impractical or inconsistent. —New Atlas, 20 Apr. 2026 The global beauty market has grown considerably in recent years — a trend that is expected to continue despite concerns that demand is cooling . —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
When the cake comes out and cools, Steinke gives her lamb a traditional shower of powdered sugar and red ribbon. —Deena Prichep, NPR, 4 Apr. 2026 In order to make sure horses keep their cool among loud, unpredictable crowds, officers do desensitization training with speakers, sirens, inflatable tube men, kazoos, fireworks, flags and all manner of annoyances. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cool
  1. stylish
  2. distant
  3. calm
  4. cold
  5. icy
  6. downtown
  7. awesome
  8. chill
Adjective
  • Shot with cold control in black and white by cinematographer Kyle Deitz, Wiseman’s feature debut is a stylish thriller that launched at regional festivals in 2024; what must have seemed near-future about it then seems almost too present-day in 2026.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Every summer, stylish crowds congregate along France’s southeastern shores, seduced by the glamorous promise of the French Riviera, spending their days sipping overpriced cocktails at the high-end resorts that line its sandy beaches as if plucked straight from a Slim Aarons photo.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026
Definition of stylish
Adjective
  • The committee launched a parallel investigation into whether Cawthorn was engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, his distant cousin, after explicit videos and photographs circulated of Cawthorn.
    — Mary Ramsey April 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Flying cars — the quintessential technology used by pop culture to portray a distant future.
    — News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • Lead with calm confidence, but keep your claims grounded.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
  • His elite pass protection and calm feet mean he can be trusted immediately to keep the quarterback clean on passing downs, while also providing a high-effort presence on special teams.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
Definition of calm
Adjective
  • Garlic is a slow-growing and cold-hardy plant that’s usually planted in garden beds in autumn, long after the rest of the garden has been put to bed for the year.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026
  • After nearly five decades in space, engineers have had to steadily power down heaters and instruments while making sure the spacecraft do not get so cold that key systems, including fuel lines, are put at risk.
    — Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • The observations, captured by SPHEREx, map icy material across the turbulent Cygnus X region, a massive star-forming complex filled with dense clouds of gas and dust where new stars are rapidly emerging.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Of course, being surprised by flavors and textures was half the fun, especially the icy somen and nodoguro and ōtoro nigiri.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • What space the library does have is overwhelmingly downtown.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The ninth annual Black Joy Parade drew thousands of people downtown for an afternoon of good vibes, great food and blaring beats on two stages.
    — Warren Pederson, San Francisco Chronicle, 22 Feb. 2026
Definition of downtown
Adjective
  • It’s been really awesome to watch the difference in how everyone operates.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2026
  • For the Padres so far, ABS stands for awesome, bueno and satisfactory.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of awesome
Verb
  • Last week, the prosecution showed the jurors chilling video and audio evidence that included Athena’s last moments after Horner lured her inside the FedEx van.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
  • One roach chilled inside a kitchen reach-in freezer.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Definition of chill

Phrases Containing cool

Browse Nearby Words

cook (up)
cool
cool (down)
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Cite this Entry

“Cool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cool. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of cool for Spanish Speakers

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