cold-shoulder 1 of 2

verb

Definition of cold-shouldernext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Verb
One cringe-inducing scene shows George Michael literally cold-shoulder the esteemed director. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 28 July 2026 Consignment stores rely on stocking items that feel current, so anything that screams a specific past era—think cold-shoulder tops or a bandage dress—isn’t likely to make the cut. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
Three years removed from his last season in Packers green and gold, the future Hall of Famer offered no cold shoulders or steely stares toward former teammates and coaches. — Mike Jones, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2025 But the internet seems to have already turned a cold shoulder towards the product. — Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cold-shoulder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold-shoulder
  1. isolate
  2. dismissal
  3. snub
  4. silent treatment
  5. reject
  6. rebuff
  7. stiff
  8. cut
Verb
  • The rare meeting underscored Washington's willingness to reopen high-level diplomatic channels with Moscow, even as European allies have intended to keep the nation isolated while the war continues.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • When practical, keep at least one backup disconnected from your computer or otherwise isolated from routine activity.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of isolate
Noun
  • Cook denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit challenging her dismissal.
    — Kevin Breuninger,Dan Mangan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Wide receiver Cam Vaughn has reportedly filed a lawsuit against the University of Miami and the NCAA in an attempt to enter the transfer portal, a little more than one week after the Hurricanes announced his dismissal from the program.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of dismissal
Verb
  • South Carolina is first stop in Democratic primary While Georgia may have been snubbed, the DNC stuck with another Southern state in deciding the next Democratic presidential candidate.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • However, when one of the three women feels guilty about snubbing their lifelong pal, Mel shows up and suddenly the weekend turns to complete chaos, tempting the trio to break free from the madness that has hobbled their friend group for years.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of snub
Noun
  • In the present, they’re awkwardly reunited for his brother’s destination wedding in Barcelona, following two years of mutual silent treatment.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Destructive silent treatment creates an imbalanced power dynamic in the relationship.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of silent treatment
Verb
  • The Athletic reported on Monday that all parties have now been in direct communication to confirm the deal is off after City’s bid of an initial £75m and £5m in add-ons was rejected.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Palal also rejected the defense’s contention that Davis fabricated his accounts to make money.
    — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of reject
Noun
  • The rebuff contributes to the future civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, in which Rhaenyra battles her half-brother Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) for the seat of power.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026
  • Despite the Reina Sofía’s many refusals to lend the work to various institutions around the world, its rebuff of the Guggenheim’s request carries a particular sting because the Basque Country has long held that the painting belongs in the place where the depicted tragedy occurred.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of rebuff
Verb
  • But, no, the Kittrells attempted to stiff their creditors entirely by way of their Children's Trust.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Sutherland further emphasizes this point, saying that calcium and magnesium in hard water can be absorbed into the cotton, making the towels stiff and irritating.
    — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of stiff
Verb
  • The threat of shortages pushed countries across Asia to impose export bans, cut import duties, and start rationing fuel to maintain supplies.
    — Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike the heavy smoky eyes and cut creases of the 2010s, this trend is throwing it back to the 1990s when smoky eyes were more minimalist.
    — Elle Turner, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of cut

Browse Nearby Words

coldness
cold-shoulder
cold shoulder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cold-shoulder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold-shoulder. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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