COOL Synonyms: 688 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

cool 1 of 3

adjective

ˈkül

Definition of cool next

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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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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as in cold

having a low or subnormal temperature a cool basement that would be perfect for storing wine

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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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as in stylish

slang being in the latest or current fashion had a cool new hairstyle

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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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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

as in to chill

to cause to lose heat cool your drinks in the icy mountain stream

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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

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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as in fashionableness

the quality or state of being fashionable a designer who was the arbiter of cool

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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

But this is a cool national look regardless of his availability. —

Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025 In the fall, as temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and frost becomes a risk, bring the plant back indoors. To encourage dormancy in late summer or early fall, stop watering the plant and move it to a cool, dark location away from bright light — your basement might be an ideal spot. —

Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025

Verb

Economists polled by Dow Jones are anticipating nonfarm payrolls growth to have cooled to 169,000 new jobs in January, down from the 256,000 jobs added in December. —

Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025 The world warmed to yet another monthly heat record in January, despite an abnormally chilly United States, a cooling La Nina and predictions of a slightly less hot 2025, according to the European climate service Copernicus. —

Seth Borenstein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025

Noun

As the sun clashes with Mars, strive to keep your cool. —

USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 While Cake cools, prepare the Frosting: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium. —

Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cool

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cool

Adjective

Launched in 2023, Euclid is a wide-angle space telescope developed to learn more about the history and expansion of the universe by studying the redshift of distant galaxies.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Einstein rings are examples of strong gravitational lensing, O’Riordan said, a phenomenon that acts like a magnifying glass in the universe, revealing celestial objects and light from distant galaxies that would otherwise remain unseen.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025