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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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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
Since the route reaches high elevations, travelers can expect cooler temperatures and rapidly changing weather conditions. Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025 Pantry Storage For short-term storage, nuts can be stored an airtight container in a cool, dry spot like a pantry for up to three months. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
Data centers on land use energy-heavy cooling systems. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025 Red-hot cattle futures cooled off a bit last month, offering a glimmer of hope for Texas Roadhouse . Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
However, the plant relies on external electricity to keep its reactor cool and power other safety systems. Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2025 Tulsa King‘s Dwight usually keeps his cool in incredibly high pressure situations (many, admittedly, of his own making). Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cool
Adjective
  • This stylish and practical travertine tray is another one of Barney's go-to picks for organizing clutter while adding texture.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Plus, save on the best carry-on our editors have tested, the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-on, and a stylish Coach tote that’s currently trending.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There, the music switches to distant, classical pomp and the actor takes a seat at a tidy press junket-style set.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Electric aviation is far from a distant dream in 2025.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • He was being put through training recently to test his ability to stay calm under pressure as Douglas tried to overstimulate his senses.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • What made the situation a whole lot easier for both of them was the fact that Breezy stayed happy and calm in her car seat through the whole episode.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is when the weather in most places is nicest—not too cold, but not yet hot and humid.
    Kristin Braswell, AFAR Media, 7 Oct. 2025
  • But actually, simply cold emailing employers isn’t a bad way to stand out.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The icy landscape of the Arctic has transformed much faster than expected, as humans burn fossil fuels and heat the planet.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The probe, which launched in 1997, spent years studying Saturn's icy moons before it was deliberately plunged into Saturn in 2017, ending its mission.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • So the downtown Asian staple moved into a ghost kitchen 13 miles away in Meridian.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2025
  • A day of concerts continued as planned in the downtown Milwaukee park July 12.
    Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Our 6-year-old reviewer thinks her clothes are awesome, while her parent likes that this doll encourages imaginative play.
    Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
  • These things look freaking awesome!
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But the continuous immigration raids are chilling the business climate, said Grace Resendez McCaffery, publisher of La Costa Latina, a Spanish-language newspaper distributed in Baldwin and nearby counties.
    Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • While wandering the orchards and picking up desserts are seasonal staples, chilling with a cup of coffee — or four — is a similarly relaxing way to take in the rolling hills.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cool. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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