1
as in icy
having a low or subnormal temperature
a glacial weather front coming down from Canada will bring freezing temperatures this weekend
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frigid
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling
her glacial manner discouraged him from attempting further conversation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of glacial
Using argon dating and crystal analysis, the scientists learned that during the peak of the last Ice Age—between 26,000 years and 18,000 years ago—the overwhelming weight of glacial ice on the Earth’s surface caused a massive magma reservoir to form between six miles and 10 miles underground.
—
Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2025
Analysis indicates that hundreds of dormant volcanoes currently buried under glacial ice across the globe—particularly in Antarctica—could become more active as climate change accelerates glacier retreat.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
The end of July is nigh in a summer that has at once flown by and felt curiously glacial.
—Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 29 July 2025
In its recognition, the UNESCO executive board cited Paektu’s volcanic legacy, valleys shaped by glacial erosion, and rocky plains as part of its global significance.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for glacial
Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2025
Analysis indicates that hundreds of dormant volcanoes currently buried under glacial ice across the globe—particularly in Antarctica—could become more active as climate change accelerates glacier retreat.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
The end of July is nigh in a summer that has at once flown by and felt curiously glacial.
—Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 29 July 2025
In its recognition, the UNESCO executive board cited Paektu’s volcanic legacy, valleys shaped by glacial erosion, and rocky plains as part of its global significance.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for glacial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glacial
Adjective
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Gelato is very similar to ice cream, but only relies on milk instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter, icier texture than traditional homemade ice cream.—
Erin Hooker,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 June 2025
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Stock tip: Migrate to icier territories… Aston Villa 6/1 Last five results: WLWWW A two-goal deficit to overcome in the Champions League quarter-final return leg against Paris Saint-Germain next week likely spells the end of Villa’s European aspirations.—
Brett Koremenos,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Both surfaces are covered with exotic ices, and an understanding of their properties at the frigid temperatures on Pluto would be a key component of the mission.—
Nola Taylor Tillman,
Space.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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The room covered in white snow is kept at a frigid 10 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, which honestly feels amazing after being in the Florida heat.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Dujardin's lawsuit contends operators have had this trouble since 2007, as well as problems with long lagging footage, freezing frame, blurriness and shadows obscuring pedestrians.—
Chris Ramirez,
jsonline.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Moving to Texas will put you on a collision course with climate change’s dangers, as evidenced by the millions of Texans left without power in the freezing winter during the deadly 2021 energy grid crisis due to a lack of regulatory oversight.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Investigators were then able to tie the boot to a cold case disappearance from September 1997.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
6 Aug. 2025
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The Sanctuary wellness retreat will feature fitness studios, cold plunge pools, saunas and massage rooms.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Snowy, cold winter expected in Kentucky following historic 2025 weather While winter doesn't officially begin until the winter solstice on December 21, the Farmer's Almanac is already predicting a chilly, snowy season for much of the country, including Kentucky.—
Marina Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
13 Aug. 2025
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Plunging into the chilly waters off the western coast of Canada, a pair of scuba divers swam along the seafloor near an octopus.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Sabana did not answer follow-up questions seeking additional information about the police department's decision, saying it was focused on preparing for an arctic storm expected to roll through the city beginning Wednesday night.—
Ella McCarthy,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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There’s a pair of cargo pants that’ll keep you warm in arctic cabins and zip off into shorts for warmer locations.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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This little slice of heaven in Northwest Austin is far less crowded, the vibe is gloriously chill, and – plot twist!—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
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Navigate through the shop aisle to the breezy oceanfront dining room in the back, set on a surprisingly chill stretch of sand.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Allow to set-up to firm in cool place on kitchen counter or in refrigerator.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
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Increasingly, these devices will work together to provide users with cool new experiences like shooting video with your smart glasses and sharing it to social media through your phone.—
Patrick Moorhead,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Glacial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glacial. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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