arctic

adjective

ˈärk-tik How to pronounce arctic (audio)
Definition of arcticnext
1
as in icy
having a low or subnormal temperature the arctic air of deep winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frigid
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling received the usual arctic reception from her in-laws at Thanksgiving

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 arctic The aching cold of that sub-arctic river was taking the horse’s strength. — Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026 Havoc-type arctic chill beats for Wiki. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026 Snow was falling in Central Florida after a strong arctic front socked the region with three days of bitter cold, along with nearly an inch of snow. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026 Seven forms of hyaluronic acid drench skin with hydration to offset the dryness mineral SPFs can sometimes leave behind, while echinacea and arctic root extracts keep excess sebum in check. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for arctic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arctic
  1. icy
  2. frigid
  3. freezing
  4. cold
  5. chilly
  6. chill
  7. cool
  8. polar
Adjective
  • Perseid shooting stars appear as Earth enters the debris trail cast off by the icy comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The Arctic, often seen as merely a remote, icy landscape, actually plays a central role in regulating the planet’s climate.
    — Daniel Peck, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • Then there is Chicago Bears fans, who pack the old, outdated Soldier Field, even in frigid temperatures, to watch a their team, despite years of futility.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
  • Travis wound up in frigid Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • The freezing-water memories apparently became something of a theme for the franchise.
    — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Elective egg freezing was considered experimental until about 2013, when freezing techniques improved.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • The Port of Los Angeles forklift driver was wearing a life vest and was floating away, out to sea -- cold, worried about sharks and drowning.
    — Michele Gile, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In the last week, the park has experienced harsh winds and cold temperatures overnight.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • As spring rolls into Idaho every year, the snow starts to melt and the chilly water flows down the mountains through soil and streams.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The breathable fabric and flexible styling means the skirt will be a no-brainer to reach for during the remaining hot days of summer as well as chilly fall nights.
    — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of chilly
Adjective
  • 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
  • Make sure to choose an apple variety suited to your climate, as apples also need a certain number of chill hours to make fruit.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026
Definition of chill
Adjective
  • The Broderie Anglaise With a Transitional Jacket With fall’s cool breezes on the horizon, a transitional suede jacket brings depth—and texture—to everyone’s favorite nightie dress from Dôen.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • But the fans have treated me so well here, and to hear people cheering for that is cool.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of cool
Adjective
  • Swiftly setting up launch sites allows military planners to confuse potential enemies, exploit unpredictable launch azimuths and trajectories for defense, complicate hostile tracking, and gain access to polar or high-inclination orbits.
    — David Szondy August 15, New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2026
  • But governments are also aware that as ice melts in the coming decades, transit seasons could extend and additional routes can open up, such as a potential trans-polar route that avoids Russian coastlines altogether.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of polar

Browse Nearby Words

arcs
arctic
ardency
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Cite this Entry

“Arctic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arctic. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on arctic

Nglish: Translation of arctic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arctic

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