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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
Summer is the best time to test the soil of lawns consisting of cool-season grass and pastures. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025 Its stony soil and cool climate produce lower yields, but more expressive flavors, especially in chardonnay, pinot noir, and sparkling wines. Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
Temperatures are about to cool off in Boise after a hot start to September. Idaho Statesman, 5 Sep. 2025 Temperatures recently began cooling across much of the United States, even bringing frost warnings to parts of the Midwest. Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
Covino’s facility with his ensemble is to draw out their inherent screen qualities, from Marvin’s ebullience, to Arjona’s energetic feistiness, to Johnson’s unflappable cool. Katie Walsh, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025 Planting a shade tree or tall shrubs on the hottest side of your house can make a real difference in keeping your home cool in summer. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cool
Adjective
  • Lovevook Laptop Tote Bag Looking stylish for work doesn’t have to mean compromising on function.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Thankfully, Amazon has plenty of stylish wrinkle-free tops that won’t get creased on the way to your destination.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles, clouding skies and choking air quality in distant cities.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The comet will be too distant for a real close-up look.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Hill stayed calm, recovering from the blunder and finding an open lane for an 80-yard touchdown.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • All of these things can soften poop and move it through your system more smoothly—which helps keep those nearby blood vessels calm and cool.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Owalas are made with stainless steel, so water stays cold for hours, and the 16-ounce size is ideal for the younger kid crowd.
    Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Wash it all down with a cold beer.
    Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • From island flavors at the Caribbean Beach Resort to the splash zones of Typhoon Lagoon and the icy adventures at Blizzard Beach, there’s still plenty of time to soak up every last drop of the summer.
    Martie Bowser, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • From sweltering summer afternoons to rainy days and icy winters, there are plenty of times when heading outside just isn’t an option.
    Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • A day of concerts continued as planned in the downtown Milwaukee park July 12.
    Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 13 July 2025
  • The District Energy System has provided heat and cooling to dozen of buildings downtown like the Downtown Public Library, Tennessee Capitol Building and the Ryman Auditorium since its launch in 1974.
    Amber Roberson, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • And that in turn could help protect hardware like satellites and people like astronauts from these dangerous but awesome eruptions.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The cameras in smartphones these days are nothing short of awesome.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Democrats have accused the administration of trying to make a national example of Dugan to chill judicial opposition to its deportation efforts.
    Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • His recipe calls for muddling sweet Sun Gold tomatoes and fresh basil, plus a smidge of salt and sugar until juicy; then stirring in gin, vermouth, and ice until well-chilled.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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