cold-shoulder 1 of 2

as in to isolate
to deliberately ignore or treat rudely cold-shouldered by his old friends after his family had lost all of its money

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cold shoulder

2 of 2

noun

as in dismissal
treatment that is deliberately unfriendly at the party the two former friends consciously gave each other the cold shoulder

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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 cold-shoulder
Noun
In a 2008 Ebony profile, Banks posed with Iman, Alek Wek and Kimora Lee Simmons—women who were all toggling between fabulous modeling careers, as the faces of high fashion, and new options, in case the world of struts ever turned a cold shoulder. Essence, 25 Feb. 2025 The omission sparked some spirited posts on social media about Young and other players who received a cold shoulder from voters. Chantz Martin, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025 The actress wore the brand’s cold shoulder midi dress, which featured a plunging neckline with gold-tone bead detailing. Julia Teti, WWD, 31 Jan. 2025 All of these are considered nonverbal cold shoulder cues. Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cold-shoulder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold-shoulder
Verb
  • An old John Lennon demo was transformed into a complete song by isolating his vocals (and George Harrison’s guitar tone) and combining that with new recordings from the rest of the living band.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • However, because the patient was isolated in a hospital, the more dangerous viruses didn't transmit to others.
    Amy Maxmen | KFF Health News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The dismissal of Malone could prove to be a turning point for the Nuggets—either sparking a resurgence or further unraveling their season.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Those challenging the dismissals argued that OPM didn't have the authority to order firings.
    Christina Gatti, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Despite picking up album of the year and best country album for Cowboy Carter at the 2025 Grammys, Beyoncé has been snubbed by a country music awards program… again.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Following the speech, Vance met privately with AfD leader Alice Weidel, snubbing the German chancellor.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This distress often results in either combative behavior (arguing, criticizing) or withdrawal (silent treatment, shutting down).
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • No guilt-tripping, no last-minute attempts to change your mind, no silent treatment later on.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Superior Court Judge Craig Collins from neighboring Gaston county also rejected it after Tench’s friends and family — his mother, sister and aunts — submitted and read aloud letters underlining the effect Tench’s disappearance and apparent death have had.
    Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
  • There are plenty of glaring examples, such as Steve Jobs and Google being rejected by some of the world’s most renowned VCs (https://www.bvp.com/anti-portfolio).
    Dileep Rao, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trump’s move on Wednesday to place stiff new tariffs on imports from nearly all U.S. trading partners marks an all-in bet by the Republican that his once-fringe economic vision will pay off for Americans.
    Steve Peoples, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Felt is warm, easily dyed and stiff enough to hold a cone shape.
    Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The mom of one most notably cut her hair in January 2023, debuting a head-turning, blunt bob.
    Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Logistics giants elsewhere in the supply chain are cutting employees as well.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Known for unmercifully calling out machismo through her music, Paquita became a guiding light for many women who have been wronged or slighted by their partners, or a patriarchal world.
    KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Each man feels insulted and slighted by the other; both have cause for resentment.
    Rachel Hadas, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cold-shoulder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold-shoulder. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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