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Definition of coolnext
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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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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

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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
While its financial and critical response was a bit cooler than its predecessor, Jackie Brown’s reputation has only grown over time, now topping many critics’ lists as Tarantino’s best. Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026 Where this cold front originates matters, as Pacific fronts typically don’t bring sharply cooler weather to Austin. Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
This is an improper method for cooling. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026 Ryan Hartman had the opening goal for the Wild, who got 26 saves from Jesper Wallstedt to cool off the red-hot Kraken. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
Burning marijuana scent blown away by the old-school cool of the cigars, Ferraris and Miami Vice threads of the Florida Panthers arriving at loanDepot Park. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026 Littler had to keep his cool on his journey to his third final in two years after losing the first set of the semi-final to 20th seed Ryan Searle on Friday. Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cool
Adjective
  • The Le Bop Marcella Barrel Pants fit the bill, featuring a stylish cropped length, horseshoe silhouette, and discreet covered elastic waistband.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Beautifully made hats, faux furs, and winter knits are stylish perennials in the cold-weather wardrobes of chic Italian women.
    Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Spring planting might seem distant, but unseasonably warm days create opportunities to get outside and start preparing your flowerbeds for new growth.
    Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026
  • My acceptance precipitated an existential crisis since the job was so distant from what I’d been trained to do.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Iranian state television on Sunday morning took a page from demonstrators, having their correspondents appear on streets in several cities to show calm areas with a date stamp shown on screen.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • His brands, including Juicy Fruit and Spearmint, promoted gum as a way to calm nerves, curb hunger and stay focused.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The slick material keeps chafing to a minimum during workouts, and the brushed inside is so soft against the skin and helps keep cold air out and your body heat in.
    Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The heating coils are wrapped tightly and distributed evenly throughout the throw, providing consistent warmth without noticeable cold spots.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Spring Arbor Township Police and the Spring Arbor Township Fire Department worked together to rescue the dog from the icy pond after receiving a 911 call about the pooch.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Last month, Lohan embraced wintertime dressing by putting an icy spin on the classic cocktail dress.
    Hannah Malach, InStyle, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Almost everything on this list is directly downtown, with two or so things being a 10- to 15-minute drive away.
    Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 20 Dec. 2025
  • Bond Street, another restaurant in the center, has been downtown on Bond Street for 22 years.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Although a recent visit to Palo Alto’s Taverna was lackluster except for the awesome outdoor décor and cute waiters, its sister ship in Portola Valley is absolutely lovely, and the food more in line with expectation.
    Laura Ness, Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • The first stop on this retrospective journey is the Cold War, a time marked by scientific breakthroughs that were both awesome and terrifying.
    Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Carefully add the liquids and stir for about 10 seconds to combine and begin to chill.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Adding a splash of ice water and chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in the perfect texture.
    Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cool. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

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