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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
Remove from heat; Stir in the cut-up butter and vanilla; let cool. Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2025 Over the next couple of days, highs in Sacramento will hover around 75 degrees, with cooler readings across the foothills and Sierra Nevada. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
Soup holding internally at 113 degrees F after cooling for 2 hours (discarded). Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Sep. 2025 Lot sales got off to a quick start just after the fires, but have slowed amid falling prices and cooling demand, according to real estate agents. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
Established in 2010 by Lela Becker and Tim Kaeding, the ready-to-wear label MOTHER is known and loved for its denim pieces that nod to the enduring cool of the ‘70s, and brought right up to date for today’s gal. Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Forecasters expect a normal seasonal cool-down, not an immediate Arctic blast, as the vortex sets the stage for winter. Brandi D. Addison, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cool
Adjective
  • In 2019, Scio refashioned the 48-room property, which includes a centuries-old, unfinished watchtower, into a stylish resort with modern sensibilities.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The look is just one of the latest stylish outfits that Jenner has sported on Instagram.
    Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rideshare missions to low-Earth orbit are becoming more common, but spacecraft departing for more distant destinations like the L1 Lagrange point are rare.
    Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Detainees are currently sent to distant jails in Vernon and Johnson County.
    PJ Green September 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Shannon asks in a remarkably calm voice.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
  • There are not many people to like, care about, or believe on this season, but there is one who is calm, level-headed, and was there for it all.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Warm water lifts grime better and helps deep clean better than cold.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Zinc perchlorate remains primarily in the liquid to control the ion movement and improve the battery’s freeze resistance for cold-weather performance.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The conflict plays out against the backdrop of stunning visuals, leaning into the film's name as the characters battle in icy blue oceans and attempt to escape fiery explosions.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Drivers should be prepared for changing conditions that include snow and icy roads.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 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
  • Every autumn, avid leaf-peepers make annual pilgrimages to forests, mountains, and even deserts to view this awesome display on hikes and scenic drives.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Just another example of how awesome Probst is at his job.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Refrigerate at least 2 hours, until well chilled.
    Laura Mclively, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The referendum sought to overturn the council's unanimous approval of updates, whose critics said would chill protest and lead to charitable groups folding.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cool. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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