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

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
Friday's cold front brought cool temperatures, which will stay in the forecast on Saturday. Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026 That’s a pretty cool plot twist. Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
The upfront cost can pay for itself by reducing what your heating and cooling system has to do. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026 Daytime highs should remain in the high 70s to low 80s while most nights will cool into the low 70s. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
Cold weather is fading and several mild days are in the First Alert Forecast ahead of the next cool-down. Cutter Martin, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026 The set—which includes a bedspread and two pillow shams—features coin-pattern stitching and cool-to-the-touch material that’s machine washable. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cool
Adjective
  • The ballet flat silhouette is stylish.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Set in a secluded Catalonian villa, the irksomely stylish story centers on a rich family living in insulated excess until an outsider disrupts their precarious peace.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The prospect of autonomy remains a distant and fading dream.
    Big Think, Big Think, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Since Iran’s first attacks on the Gulf, the atmosphere in Riyadh has remained calm, with the bombing on neighboring countries feeling like a distant phenomenon.
    Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The beach is flat–just right for soccer or throwing a football–and the water is usually fairly calm and great for taking out a standup paddleboard or a surfboard.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The mix of calm bordeaux and vibrant green makes for interesting styling indeed.
    Jana Ackermann, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill until filling is set and cake is cold, at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Baristas sprinkled shredded phyllo dough over top heaps of cold foam.
    Jenna Thompson April 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There are stories of a knife-wielding, bride-killing monster lurking in the woods, which Nicky’s big brother (Jeff Wilbusch’s icy Jules) may or may not have encountered as a child.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2026
  • McKenna was reported missing on March 15 in Sioux Falls, while a significant early spring snowstorm brought in anywhere from 2 to 5 inches of snow, strong winds and icy roads across the eastern part of the state.
    Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 26 Mar. 2026
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
Adjective
  • The Disciples of Soul were awesome; great horns and backup singers.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The mentality, the approaches, have all been awesome.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The current crisis in Iran has sent memories bubbling to the surface for the collective, and chills down the spines of viewers.
    Chloe Shrager, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Reheat chilled eggs in barely simmering water for 1–2 minutes, or cover them with hot tap water and let sit about 30 minutes until warmed through.
    Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cool. Accessed 1 Apr. 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