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
When the temperature drops below 32 degrees and a glowing snowflake on the dashboard warns of icy roads, my car practically drives itself to Lighthouse Tofu in Annandale.
—
Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 10 Jan. 2026
For something softer, Sampiere off the Baroque, South East coast, or Lungomare di Cefalù an hour from Palermo, are all blonde sands, icy Coca-Cola bottles, and creamy gelato.
—Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
The Creature repays the favor by using his strength to free the ship from its icy prison.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Jan. 2026
But this season behind first-year coach Ben Johnson and second-year QB Caleb Williams, the Bears stormed through the division with icy swagger.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for icy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for icy
Adjective
-
Zelenskyy said that Russia was aiming to take advantage of the frigid weather in the capital, which made roads and streets icy.—
-
Plunging directly in the frigid lake via holes carved in the ice.—
Adjective
-
The slick material keeps chafing to a minimum during workouts, and the brushed inside is so soft against the skin and helps keep cold air out and your body heat in.—
-
The heating coils are wrapped tightly and distributed evenly throughout the throw, providing consistent warmth without noticeable cold spots.—
Adjective
-
Farther north, snow dusted Bologna and gave skiers in the Dolomites reason to cheer, though freezing temperatures are forecast for much of the north and central part of the peninsula over the coming days.—
-
Scenes from outside the federal building included opposing demonstrations, with some voicing support for Maduro and many others who bundled up in the freezing weather to applaud his arrest.—
Adjective
-
Featuring an oversized cardigan paired with tapered pants, it can easily be paired with a simple tank top, T-shirt, or turtleneck when things get a bit chillier.—
-
The cotton-blend fabric is made for lightweight warmth to keep the cold at bay without heavy layers on chilly days.—
Adjective
-
The vibe is chill and quiet, with an accompanying playlist.—
-
Use 2- to 2 1/2-inch star cookie cutters to cut out shapes, rerolling scraps as needed (if necessary, chill scraps before rerolling).—
Adjective
-
Having no cool aunt of my own and no elder sisters, just teenage babysitters and camp counselors (each with their own unique but tenuous grasp on anatomy and reproductive science), the book felt warm, inviting, and—perhaps most important to my terrified, bleeding, self—safe.—
-
The porous polymer coating that reflects up to 97 percent of sunlight and radiates heat into the air, keeping surfaces up to six degrees cooler than the surrounding air even under direct sun.—
Adjective
-
Historically, a spoonful of cod liver oil was administered to treat children with rickets, a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency that results in brittle bones.—
-
The product can damage wool fibers and leave them brittle.—
Adjective
-
After an unusually warm start to winter, a strong cold front from an arctic blast began sweeping through Texas Thursday and is bringing snow to some areas.—
-
Houston’s snowiest winter days have generally occurred after the passage of a strong cold front that deliver a blast of arctic air.—
Cite this Entry
“Icy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/icy. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share