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cold shoulder
noun
: intentionally cold or unsympathetic treatment
got the cold shoulder from an old friend
Examples of cold shoulder in a Sentence
at the party the two former friends consciously gave each other the cold shoulder
Recent Examples on the Web
Like many filmmakers before him, Christopher Nolan had to endure some cold shoulders and false starts in his relationship with Oscar, but he’ll be welcomed into the club with open arms.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024
How likely, for example, are my wife and I to get back on speaking terms after giving each other a cold shoulder ever since the second Reagan administration?
—Bob Brody, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2024
Moscow blamed Israeli recklessness and turned a cold shoulder to Netanyahu.
—Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 6 Feb. 2019
Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his travels and is disheartened by Penelope's cold shoulder.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 16 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for cold shoulder
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cold shoulder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1816, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near cold shoulder
Cite this Entry
“Cold shoulder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20shoulder. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
cold shoulder
noun
: treatment that is purposely unfriendly
cold-shoulder
verb
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