having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
the locals were cool towards outsidersthe schoolmaster's cool manner did not encourage chitchat
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
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
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Recent Examples of cool
Adjective
The high pressure also stifles the sea breeze that can bring cooler ocean air onto land.—
Noah Haggerty,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Aug. 2026 Soften walls or fences with vines or narrow shrubs, use cool colors to make spaces feel larger, and group plants in threes.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Aug. 2026
Verb
In Pompeii and Herculaneum, around all of Naples, a lot of the buildings are made from these black hard igneous rocks, cooled lava.—ArsTechnica,
21 July 2026 It’s caused by Legionella bacteria, which grow in warm water and can spread in such places as hot tubs and building cooling equipment.—ABC News,
21 July 2026
Noun
Returning now to one of the defining settings of his life and career, Hilfiger looks to transform The Plaza into the backdrop for a new expression of classic American cool.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
2 July 2026 For the first time, the city is deploying 15 mobile cool vans staffed with nurses and paramedics.—
Aziza Shuler,
CBS News,
30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cool
Strikes in the region have been relatively calmer over the past few days, although Kuwait said Iran hit a building belonging to a Chinese company in the northern part of the country on Thursday, killing one employee.
—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
2 Aug. 2026
The patented, portable Ready Rocker is ergonomically designed to help alleviate discomfort, relieve back pain, reduce stress, calm anxiety and improve sleep, fitting both deep and shallow seating with two rocking positions.
Shake for five seconds to briefly chill and mix flavors, then pour ice and liquid into a tall glass.
—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
1 Aug. 2026
Three four-legged friends chilled along the Hudson River at the Hertz Gold Squad Hangout, clearly enjoying being petted by concert-goers taking in the music.
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