1
as in frigid
having a low or subnormal temperature
an icy drink that was especially refreshing on that hot afternoon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cold
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling
she wondered why the salesclerk at the boutique had given her an icy glare
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 icy
Opt for a high-contrast outfit via a jet-black top and icy-white jeans for a striking look composed of a classic color combo.
—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
2 July 2026
Although the icy conditions may be temporary, the latest example is a great reminder to always prepare accordingly before visiting national parks, especially Yellowstone.
—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
1 July 2026
Have a yen for Japanese cuisine–then whisper-thin icy somen noodles will nicely hit the spot without bogging you down.
—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 July 2026
That’s because while the icy white glaciers people typically picture have been shrinking and even disappearing, our new study shows that rock glaciers and their frozen water are remaining mostly stable despite rising temperatures.
—
Ashlesha Khatiwada,
The Conversation,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for icy
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
2 July 2026
Although the icy conditions may be temporary, the latest example is a great reminder to always prepare accordingly before visiting national parks, especially Yellowstone.
—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
1 July 2026
Have a yen for Japanese cuisine–then whisper-thin icy somen noodles will nicely hit the spot without bogging you down.
—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 July 2026
That’s because while the icy white glaciers people typically picture have been shrinking and even disappearing, our new study shows that rock glaciers and their frozen water are remaining mostly stable despite rising temperatures.
—
Ashlesha Khatiwada,
The Conversation,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for icy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for icy
Adjective
-
But experts say the optimal temperatures are far from frigid.
-
But that’s not how exhaustion typically works during a seventeen-hour climb in frigid weather.
Adjective
-
Next to him, the waters of Lincoln’s Sinking Spring still ran cold.
-
If time doesn’t allow for spa treatments, a morning swim in the indoor pool accompanied by a sauna and cold plunge in one of their two thermal suites might suffice.
Adjective
-
According to Chernoff, this can lead to excess frost, stale odors, and inconsistent freezing conditions, all of which negatively affect ice quality.
-
While alcohol lowers the freezing point of beer, it's still made mostly with water, and can eventually freeze solid if it's frozen for long enough.
Adjective
-
Flemings, like Peterson a one-and-done player in college, had 14 points on chilly 4-of-16 shooting.
-
Then the movie ended, and someone flicked the lights, and people wiped their faces and checked their apps and the door opened for a chilly evening breeze.
Adjective
-
The 25, also non-chill filtered, is bottled at 47 percent ABV (94 proof), and that higher proof goes a long way to unlocking the flavor here.
-
It was bottled at 43% ABV and is non-chill filtered.
Adjective
-
The fabric feels cool against my skin and never sticks or clings, even on warmer nights.
-
Of course, when training in heat and humidity, staying hydrated is critical as well as attempts to stay as cool as possible when training during hot temperatures.
Adjective
-
Maybe that's why, in a moment when the country feels eggshell brittle, riding has become such an essential outlet for me—a way to turn my rage into forward motion.
-
Containment actions should be proportional, reversible where possible and informed by multiple signals rather than a single brittle heuristic.
Adjective
-
The aching cold of that sub-arctic river was taking the horse’s strength.
-
Havoc-type arctic chill beats for Wiki.
Cite this Entry
“Icy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/icy. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
