cold 1 of 3

adjective

ˈkōld How to pronounce cold (audio)
Definition of coldnext
1
as in freezing
having a low or subnormal temperature the cold climate of the Yukon an unusually cold spring that was followed by a sweltering summer

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2
as in icy
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling the prisoners got only a cold stare when they tried to befriend the guard

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3
as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others received a cold reception from the hostess

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4
as in unconscious
having lost consciousness the boxer was out cold for a few minutes

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5
as in dark
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer the couple practiced a cold civility with each other, but they hadn't had a heart-to-heart talk in years

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6
as in fallen
no longer living paramedics tried to revive him, but he was already cold

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cold

2 of 3

noun

as in freeze
a weather condition marked by low temperatures the cold will stay with us for another day, then temperatures should rise

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cold

3 of 3

adverb

as in plain

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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
Adjective
Both mirrors are kept cold, chilled to about 19 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 degrees Celsius), to prevent heat from the telescope itself from interfering with observations, according to NASA. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Save this for cold weather to truly savor its rich, enveloping smokiness. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
On the one hand, no other severe cases were found — meaning the patient contracted it from one of the 1,899 polio cases out of 1,900 masquerading as a cold. — Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026 Batteries can store electricity, but extreme cold can threaten sensitive electronics and other critical hardware. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
Adverb
It will be equipped to process and service new steel products coming down the line at Big River like galvanized and cold-rolled steel. — Arkansas Online, 30 Apr. 2026 Tuesday will start out cold but turn milder by the afternoon, and the coming days will bring several chances of rain. — Joseph Dames, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold
  1. freezing
  2. icy
  3. distant
  4. unconscious
  5. dark
  6. fallen
  7. freeze
  8. plain
Adjective
  • In addition, Moscow continued its efforts to wreck the Ukrainian power grid before the freezing winter months.
    — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Small problems that seem insignificant now can quickly turn into costly repairs once fall rain, winter snow, ice and freezing temperatures put additional stress on your home.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • There’s nothing wrong with a great scoop, but sometimes the weather calls for something lighter, icier and a little more unexpected.
    — Lia Picard - For the AJC, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Posing next to co-star Sandra Bullock, the Australian star looked statuesque in a strapless column dress that was completely covered in icy mint sequins, which looked like scales.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • Its real-time viewing feature can show the home environment and help distant family members feel more connected.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • After some major modifications, it's set to begin its five-year mission peering at new supernovas, distant galaxies and planets orbiting stars outside our solar system.
    — Berly McCoy, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • When cops arrived there they were told the man was unconscious and unresponsive when he was dumped there.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Zach Hickerson has since said Brian Hickerson administered Narcan to Panettiere after the brothers found her unconscious.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of unconscious
Adjective
  • On top of the moving-camera-foamy-dark-mouth challenge, there was the plaque challenge.
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Finley’s breakout was the 2017 dark comedy Thoroughbreds, in which Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy play high-schoolers conspiring to kill an abusive stepfather.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • In the eight-episode Robocop series, written by Ocko, a giant tech conglomerate pursuades the city to place a powerful robot on its police force – a robot implanted with the consciousness of a beloved fallen officer, Alex Murphy (Stevens).
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Israel erected a monument to the fallen Altalena militants in 2008 on the Tel Aviv seafront and has been searching for the wreckage for years, with crews often working in secrecy.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of fallen
Noun
  • Why Private Credit Feels This First The exit freeze does not just strand equity holders.
    — Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The recent announcement also follows the prior freeze on base rates approved by the Georgia PSC in July 2025, as well as the plan approved in May 2026 to lower overall rates, as per the release.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of freeze
Adverb
  • Where once there were just plain old cherry or grape tomatoes, now there are Sugar Bombs, and Flavor Bombs, and Lolli Bombs and Sprinkles.
    — Kenny Malone, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
  • At Target, The Washington Post reported during the 2026 season that a plain clear plastic pencil case ran $4.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of plain

Phrases Containing cold

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col
cold
cold-blooded
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Cite this Entry

“Cold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cold

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cold

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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