gelid

adjective

ˈje-ləd How to pronounce gelid (audio)
Definition of gelidnext
1
as in icy
having a low or subnormal temperature the Titanic passengers could not long survive the gelid waters of the North Atlantic

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frigid
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling the judge listened with the gelid detachment of someone who had heard it all before

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 gelid Togo tirelessly led his pack most of the way, pushing the other dogs to ignore powerful headwinds, deep snow, uphill climbs and gelid temperatures. — David Kindy, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Jan. 2025 Moss brought an uncanny, even creepy quality to the character which added to the show’s gelid mystique. — Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2022 Instead, most of its plasma comes from icy volcanism on Enceladus, a gelid moon that erupts water-ice slush from deep crevasses around its south pole. — Robin Andrews, Wired, 22 Feb. 2022 Settings range globally without fanfare, as do Krauss’s gelid portraits of modern arrangements. — Washington Post, 5 Nov. 2020 Admittedly, former commercials director Niccol is terrific at composing looks; however, an assemblage of glossy, gelid sequences does not necessarily add up to a satisfying cohesive film. — Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2019 Ungainly in looks, but a natural for work — each hoof a snowshoe, with hollow fur for warmth and to buoy them across gelid Arctic rivers. — Christopher Solomon, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2019 But other ailments that are either directly or tangentially related to the gelid weather have multiplied. — John Benson, cleveland.com, 4 Jan. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gelid
  1. icy
  2. frigid
  3. cold
  4. chilly
  5. freezing
  6. chill
  7. cool
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
  • There are frigid cryotherapy chambers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and exorbitant supplements.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Then there is Chicago Bears fans, who pack the old, outdated Soldier Field, even in frigid temperatures, to watch a their team, despite years of futility.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • Loco is known for its casual and rustic atmosphere, barbecue comfort food and cold drinks.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Summer is typically the most expensive time to pick up a lease, with asking prices falling in colder months, according to historical Apartment List data.
    — Mark Dee August 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • As the attractive secretary, she is forced to fend off not only Hart’s advances (with the cheery but firm dexterity of a woman with no alternative and many years of practice) but also the chilly scorn of her female colleagues.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • That first chilly day of the year means mice, stink bugs, Asian lady beetles and more become residents of your home.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of chilly
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
  • Judd’s furniture asks you to admire it; Heilmann’s asks you to sit down and chill.
    — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Older age statements, barrel-strength bottlings, non-chill filtration, single barrels, micro-batches and distinctive packaging led to sustained success in export markets like Japan and Europe.
    — Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of chill
Adjective
  • Crews may benefit from slightly cooler temperatures in the days ahead, Gass said, and wind conditions are expected to remain fairly calm in both areas.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But this is largely a myth, concocted by critics and cool kids to explain away and undercut the popularity of their music.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of cool

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Cite this Entry

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

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