gelid

adjective

ˈje-ləd How to pronounce gelid (audio)
Definition of gelidnext
1
as in icy
having a low or subnormal temperature the Titanic passengers could not long survive the gelid waters of the North Atlantic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frigid
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling the judge listened with the gelid detachment of someone who had heard it all before

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 gelid Togo tirelessly led his pack most of the way, pushing the other dogs to ignore powerful headwinds, deep snow, uphill climbs and gelid temperatures. — David Kindy, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Jan. 2025 Moss brought an uncanny, even creepy quality to the character which added to the show’s gelid mystique. — Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2022 Instead, most of its plasma comes from icy volcanism on Enceladus, a gelid moon that erupts water-ice slush from deep crevasses around its south pole. — Robin Andrews, Wired, 22 Feb. 2022 Settings range globally without fanfare, as do Krauss’s gelid portraits of modern arrangements. — Washington Post, 5 Nov. 2020 Admittedly, former commercials director Niccol is terrific at composing looks; however, an assemblage of glossy, gelid sequences does not necessarily add up to a satisfying cohesive film. — Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2019 Ungainly in looks, but a natural for work — each hoof a snowshoe, with hollow fur for warmth and to buoy them across gelid Arctic rivers. — Christopher Solomon, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2019 But other ailments that are either directly or tangentially related to the gelid weather have multiplied. — John Benson, cleveland.com, 4 Jan. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gelid
  1. icy
  2. frigid
  3. cold
  4. chilly
  5. freezing
  6. chill
  7. cool
Adjective
  • In winter, some wetlands become more accessible as thick, spongelike layers of organic-rich peat freeze solid and become strong enough to support snow machines on their icy surfaces.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Set against the Swiss Alps, the story follows an Englishman (Spall) found barely alive in an icy mountain stream by local woman Alma (Deleila Piasko) and her young son, Franz.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • This unique trait has led planetary scientists to hypothesize that the asteroid formed in the frigid outer solar system and migrated inward early in the solar system's history.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The arid and sublime West, the sunny South, the frigid Midwest or the dense East — populations ebb and flow in each.
    — Washington Post Opinions, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • That level of pure confidence while talking to the person with cold, hard footage is what makes Lisa Barlow the perfect Real Housewife.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Shea’s supervisor confronted her when Shea’s findings in a cold case could not be replicated.
    — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • Lightweight blankets are soft and comfortable for curling up on a chilly evening.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Rowers pushed through a rainy and chilly start Friday morning while fans in ponchos and raincoats cheered them on.
    — Anna Meiler, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of chilly
Adjective
  • Freeze Warning The stronger of the two alerts, this warning calls for sub-freezing temperatures dropping as low as 30 degrees.
    — Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • As a result, sudden freezing temperatures can cause materials to fracture easily.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • The group’s trademark sense of space, room for the sax, Sandman’s voice, and ear candy like acoustic guitar, echoey cymbals, and distant piano, and their uniquely chill sense of melody take cente rstage on the song.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The Asics Gel-SlowCush prioritizes comfort while being recommended for recovery runs, low-intensity training or merely chill jaunts.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of chill
Adjective
  • On Monday, high temperatures won’t climb past the low 70s as a westerly breeze from the Delta carries cooler air inland to Sacramento.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be cloudy and cool, with highs topping out in the mid-60s and lower 70s, according to the weather service.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of cool

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Cite this Entry

“Gelid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gelid. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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