Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Cold” — 12 Other Ways to Say It
When something has a low temperature and you feel chilly or uncomfortable.
Meanings of Cold — Pick the Sense You Need
Cold has 3 common meanings. The synonyms below are grouped by meaning so you can jump straight to the sense you need.
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Meaning #1
as a adjective
When something has a low temperature and you feel chilly or uncomfortable.
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Meaning #2
as a noun
A minor illness where you have a runny nose, cough, and feel tired for a few days.
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Meaning #3
as a noun
The physical condition when the air, water, or objects are at a low temperature.
How to Pronounce Cold
IPA: /koʊld/ Stress: O
Pronounce the vowel sound like the 'o' in 'go', not like the 'a' in 'cat'.
4 Synonyms for Cold (Meaning #1 — as a adjective)
These synonyms work when you use cold as a adjective. Meaning: When something has a low temperature and you feel chilly or uncomfortable.
cool
/kuːl/When something is slightly cold or feels fresh, not hot.
Example: I love swimming in cool water on hot summer days.
4 Synonyms for Cold (Meaning #2 — as a noun)
These synonyms work when you use cold as a noun. Meaning: A minor illness where you have a runny nose, cough, and feel tired for a few days.
4 Synonyms for Cold (Meaning #3 — as a noun)
These synonyms work when you use cold as a noun. Meaning: The physical condition when the air, water, or objects are at a low temperature.
Smart Synonyms for Cold — When to Use Each
chilly
when the temperature is mildly uncomfortable
frigid
when describing extremely low temperatures or unfriendly behavior
Antonyms of Cold — Opposite Words
How to Use Cold and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- It is cold outside, so wear a jacket. A1
- The water in the pool is too cold for swimming. A1
- She felt cold and shivered under the blanket. A2
- I caught a cold and stayed home from work. A1
- My daughter has a cold with a sore throat and cough. A2
Common Word Choice Mistakes with Cold
Not natural: She got a cold last week and she is still sick.
Better: She got a cold last week and she is still sick or She caught a cold last week and is still under the weather.
'Got a cold' means 'caught a cold'; both are correct, but 'caught' is more natural.
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Cold
What is another word for "cold"?
Common synonyms for "cold" include: chilly, frigid, freezing, cool, common cold.
What can I say instead of "cold"?
Try one of these alternatives: chilly, frigid, freezing, cool, common cold. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "cold" formal or informal?
"cold" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "cold" instead of "chilly"?
Use "cold" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "chilly" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "cold"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "cold" include: hot, warm, burning, heat, warmth.