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

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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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For
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a cool head
a rational head
a clear head
a fair-minded head
a steady head
a peaceful head
a cool breeze
a refreshing breeze
a crisp breeze
a fresh breeze
a brisk breeze
a lovely breeze
a cool drink
a chilled drink
an iced drink
an icy drink
a fresh-tasting drink
a frosty drink
a cool place
a popular place
a groovy place
an awesome place
a neat place
an interesting place
cool colors
pretty colors
unique colors
sick colors
funky colors
stylish colors

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

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
If someone is affected by heat, immediately transfer them to a cool and shaded area. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025 Here’s why: Percale is cool, crisp, and soft, with no chance of appearing sloppy. —Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2025
Verb
The best laptop cooling pad is the Havit Laptop Cooling Pad. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025 However, because of a poor showing in the second round (again, against the Pacers), the market cooled off on him. —Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Noun
While fresh faces like the Dare are stoking the flames, the true torchbearers of this gritty cool are none other than the Strokes. —Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Collin Morikawa still has not recovered his cool from his heated exchange with a reporter during his pre-tournament press conference. —Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 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
  • However, there is an increasingly impressive array of stylish spots that might tempt you to stay off the beachfront, like the brand-new collection of 10 villas at Trobbu Tulum, offering a luxe private experience and even the option of all-inclusive dining.
    — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • Based on an unfinished Jack London novel, this swinging, pre-WWI caper pairs swaggering Oliver Reed with fierce, feminist Diana Rigg for stylish '60s thrills.
    — EW Staff Updated, EW.com, 18 July 2025
Definition of stylish
Adjective
  • Advertisement Still, his father remained remote and distant.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 18 July 2025
  • Lyricism as the default measure of talent feels like a distant memory.
    — Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2025
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • Thursday morning’s efforts included six private vessels and a Marine Rescue team, though what was puzzling to some was how calm the sea conditions were and the small amount of wind and swell.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
  • Think smooth shores sloping gently into calm waves and views framed by palm trees.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
Definition of calm
Adjective
  • Everyone’s temperature preferences differ—some sleep hot, others cold.
    — Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
  • For evening or colder climates, go with the Parallel Pant.
    — Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • A day of concerts continued as planned in the downtown Milwaukee park July 12.
    — Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 13 July 2025
  • The District Energy System has provided heat and cooling to dozen of buildings downtown like the Downtown Public Library, Tennessee Capitol Building and the Ryman Auditorium since its launch in 1974.
    — Amber Roberson, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Definition of downtown
Adjective
  • This is an incredible honor, and an awesome responsibility.
    — Sharon DeVivo, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
  • Cargill hit an awesome Jaded from the top rope through a table.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of awesome
Verb
  • Add ingredients to an Old Fashioned glass with a big piece of ice and stir 10 to 15 seconds to chill.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
  • Fill the glass with ice, and repeat with the other glass. 3: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, stir together the Earl Grey simple syrup, lime juice and smoked paprika until thoroughly chilled and diluted, about 15 seconds.
    — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
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 22 Jul. 2025.

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