refrigerate

verb

ri-ˈfri-jə-ˌrāt How to pronounce refrigerate (audio)
Definition of refrigeratenext
as in to freeze
to cause to lose heat refrigerate the cake after you frost it so that the frosting doesn't melt

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 refrigerate Fruits and vegetables that are cut, peeled, or cooked should be refrigerated as soon as possible, within two hours, according to the CDC. — Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 13 July 2026 Meanwhile, place yellow gazpacho ingredients in a second nonreactive bowl; cover and refrigerate overnight. — Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 13 July 2026 An unopened jar keeps well in the pantry, though it should be refrigerated after opening. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 8 July 2026 Leftover fruits and vegetables should be refrigerated within two hours. — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for refrigerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refrigerate
  1. freeze
  2. chill
  3. cool
Verb
  • The operator allegedly made more than $90,000 in profits on the trades, although most of that money was frozen by Kalshi after the bets were flagged as suspicious.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • The European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter has been capturing some of the Red Planet's most surreal landscapes, and its latest images reveal a sprawling field that looks like molten metal frozen across the floor of an ancient Mars crater.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of freeze
Verb
  • Store it in your hotel minibar fridge to chill for maximum effect.
    — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 19 July 2026
  • The final additions of cheddar, nutmeg, and red pepper round out the dish’s depth of flavor before—as with my mom’s grits cakes—they’re chilled in a casserole dish overnight before being cut into triangular slices and broiled until golden.
    — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
Definition of chill
Verb
  • Just in case things are finally cooling off a little, the restaurant will celebrate its grand opening this Friday.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026
  • If temperatures are especially hot or cold, warm or cool your car before loading the plant, and head straight home.
    — Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 21 July 2026
Definition of cool

Browse Nearby Words

refreshments
refrigerate
refrigerated
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Cite this Entry

“Refrigerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refrigerate. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on refrigerate

Nglish: Translation of refrigerate for Spanish Speakers

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