COOLER Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

cooler

noun

ˈkü-lər

Definition of cooler

as in penitentiary

a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody plea-bargained to avoid spending time in the cooler

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

outside

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 cooler Tinted windows are another possibility and will help keep the car cooler, but Florida limits how much darkening is allowed. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 The Mexican navy searched a vast area of the Pacific Ocean by sea and air, eventually finding the two men floating in a large fishing cooler about 150 miles off the coast of Chiapas, a southern state in Mexico that borders Guatemala. — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 Somehow this abstract understanding exists alongside, or by means of, the objects in the waiting room—a paper cup from the water cooler, or a copy of People magazine. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026 Shredded cheese in a reach-in cooler measured 55 to 57 degrees. — Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cooler

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cooler

Noun

Now locked up in a state penitentiary near San Diego on unrelated charges, Knight hasn't changed his tune.

— Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
One of her clients has gone MIA from the state penitentiary – but how can a man go missing in prison?

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of penitentiary

Noun

Matus’ death took place at the height of the fentanyl epidemic in 2022, when Riverside County jails experienced close to 100 inmate drug overdoses, seven of which resulted in death, according to court documents.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
In 2025, a Kentucky man was killed after he was hit 27 times with a GLOVE by jail employees, on top of 13 jabs from a taser, which ultimately sent him into cardiac arrest.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of jail

Noun

Adan Osman Salat, 23, was sentenced to two years fixed and a possible 15 years on probation or in prison by 3rd District Judge Gabriel McCarthy, according to online court records and audio obtained by the Idaho Statesman.

— Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026
When the brothers arrived in court two days later, the jewel tones were ditched, and each wore a drab tan prison jumpsuit.

— Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026