the cold shoulder

NOUN

disregard

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apathy contempt disdain disrespect inattention indifference neglect negligence scorn

STRONG

brush-off disesteem disfavor disinterest forgetting heedlessness inadvertence insouciance lassitude lethargy listlessness neglecting oblivion omission omitting overlooking oversight slight slighting unconcern unmindfulness

Antonyms

STRONGEST

admiration approval care concern esteem feeling interest love regard respect sympathy

STRONG

remembrance

WEAK

attention honor note

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sure, in public, some executives may give him the cold shoulder, but when he’s in small meetings, or dealing with executives one-on-one, he says the vibe is excitement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

“Yellowstone” and “Marshals” star Luke Grimes recently told podcaster Joe Rogan that he’s gotten the cold shoulder after moving to the Big Sky State with his family.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

Kristen Stewart’s directing debut got the cold shoulder while Mubi, the distributor behind ‘The Substance,’ ponied up for ‘Die, My Love,’ starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2025

All five living presidents and former presidents attended the funeral, but the list of people who gave the Carter critic the cold shoulder and those with open arms did not follow party lines.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2025

I was prepared for his wrath, but the cold shoulder stings more.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed

the cold shoulder

Example Sentences

Related Words