cool 1 of 3

adjective

ˈkül How to pronounce cool (audio)
Definition of coolnext
1
as in stylish
slang being in the latest or current fashion had a cool new hairstyle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others the locals were cool towards outsiders the schoolmaster's cool manner did not encourage chitchat

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3
as in calm
free from emotional or mental agitation in a crisis keep a cool head, even if no one else is

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4
as in cold
having a low or subnormal temperature a cool basement that would be perfect for storing wine

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5
as in icy
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling directed a cool glance at the student who was sneaking into class late

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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

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7
as in awesome
slang of the very best kind a really cool garage band that's starting to get some attention from the music industry

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cool

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to chill
to cause to lose heat cool your drinks in the icy mountain stream

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2
as in to hush
to become still and orderly after the recess, tempers had cooled, and we could have a civil, rational discussion

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cool

3 of 3

noun

1
as in detachment
the absence of emotional involvement the judge's customary cool stood her in good stead during the sensational trial

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2
as in fashionableness
the quality or state of being fashionable a designer who was the arbiter of cool

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3
as in composure
evenness of emotions or temper despite the flood of insults, the fledgling stand-up comic never lost his cool

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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

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
Shop more cool Adidas sneakers, below. —Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026 Of course, the French can make anything look cool, even something as androgynous as an oversized striped shirt like this pink poplin style from Rouje. —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
This design enables use across a range of environments—from outdoor gatherings to event spaces—where traditional wine cooling methods may be impractical or inconsistent. —New Atlas, 20 Apr. 2026 The global beauty market has grown considerably in recent years — a trend that is expected to continue despite concerns that demand is cooling . —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
When the cake comes out and cools, Steinke gives her lamb a traditional shower of powdered sugar and red ribbon. —Deena Prichep, NPR, 4 Apr. 2026 In order to make sure horses keep their cool among loud, unpredictable crowds, officers do desensitization training with speakers, sirens, inflatable tube men, kazoos, fireworks, flags and all manner of annoyances. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cool
  1. stylish
  2. distant
  3. calm
  4. cold
  5. icy
  6. downtown
  7. awesome
  8. chill
Adjective
  • Quilted jackets are stylish, both lightweight and insulated, easy to layer, and conveniently packable, too.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2026
  • This two-piece strikes the right balance between casual and stylish.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of stylish
Adjective
  • During the 2020 pandemic in particular, this became an appealing message, giving viewers a place to hang out with optimistic, hopeful TV friends who were delivering comfort from the recent — but now seemingly all-too-distant — past.
    — Jennifer Armstrong, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Across Chinese university campuses, students are also checking out books on Iran to learn why the US wanted to go to war with a country that to them seems distant and mysterious.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • The feature is set in British Columbia, largely in the span of a summer during the nineteen-nineties, in a calm residential suburb on the ruggedly alluring Vancouver Island.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • This is altered by telehealth, which allows patients to start this delicate procedure in a calm, secure and private setting.
    — Lucy Jones April 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
Definition of calm
Adjective
  • Tuesday morning will be cold, with temperatures in the 30s.
    — Steven Sosna, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • After the case went cold for decades, advances in DNA technology led to the case being reopened and the baby's body being exhumed in July 2019, KVLY, Valley News Live, and KX News reported.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • Mulligan, who similarly usually gives off a warm presence onscreen, is icy and sharp here, her Lindsay stuck up and miserable in the life she's made for herself but completely trapped by her own ego and selfishness.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Hot honey blonde is shaping up to be the color of the season, with tons of celebrities already ditching their icy tones for a warmer shade.
    — Grace McCarty, Glamour, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of icy
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
Definition of downtown
Adjective
  • It’s been really awesome to watch the difference in how everyone operates.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2026
  • For the Padres so far, ABS stands for awesome, bueno and satisfactory.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of awesome
Verb
  • Once chilled, top with berries and garnishes as desired.
    — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The committee is considering changes to the law, which many in the real estate industry believe has chilled development in the city.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Definition of chill

Phrases Containing cool

Browse Nearby Words

cook (up)
cool
cool (down)
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Cite this Entry

“Cool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cool. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of cool for Spanish Speakers

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