When I started teaching English to learners, I realized that Other Ways to Say “How Cool” (With Examples) can help people use phrases like “How cool” to show interest, surprise, or approval in a friendly and common way that feels natural and engaging. Using the same phrase again and again can sound boring or too casual, especially in professional or formal settings. Finding the right words and alternatives helps connect more deeply in conversations, express excitement and appreciation, and make English sound clear, thoughtful, and meaningful.
Sometimes, a simple phrase like “How cool” feels a little too common, so you might want to add more warmth, fun, unique, or personal words to express admiration and ideas. Whether talking to a friend, colleague, or loved one, using phrases that truly express excitement, care, and engaging personality helps communicate with confidence. Thoughtful alternatives, best-use tips, and examples can change tone, show genuine interest, and make your message meaningful, caring, and expressive in both formal situations and informal situations.
Did You Know (Other Ways to Say “How Cool”)
The phrase “How cool” is considered an informal expression of approval. Interestingly, many English speakers use it not only for “something stylish,” but also for anything impressive, surprising, creative, or admirable. Over time, the word cool has become one of the most flexible compliments in modern English.
Using other ways to say “How Cool” can help you sound more natural, more professional, and more emotionally accurate—because not every “cool” moment feels the same.
What does “How Cool” mean? (Other Ways to Say “How Cool”)
“How cool” usually means: “That’s impressive!”, “That’s amazing!”, or “I like that!” It’s a positive reaction used when something feels exciting, interesting, stylish, or admirable.
In everyday English, it can express surprise, admiration, pride, joy, or even respect—depending on the tone and situation.
Professional or political way to say “How Cool” (Other Ways to Say “How Cool”)
In professional, formal, or political environments, saying “How cool” may sound too casual. Instead, you can use polished alternatives like:
- That’s impressive.
- That’s an excellent initiative.
- That’s a remarkable achievement.
- That’s truly commendable.
- That’s a strong step forward.
These options sound confident, respectful, and suitable for meetings, speeches, emails, or public statements.
“How Cool” Synonyms
- That’s awesome
- That’s amazing
- That’s incredible
- That’s fantastic
- That’s brilliant
- That’s impressive
- That’s remarkable
- That’s outstanding
- That’s mind-blowing
- That’s epic
- That’s sick (slang)
- That’s dope (slang)
- That’s fire (slang)
- That’s lit (slang)
- That’s wild
- That’s next-level
- That’s legendary
- That’s genius
- That’s top-notch
- That’s so creative
- That’s so thoughtful
- That’s so inspiring
- That’s so classy
- That’s beautiful
- That’s elegant
- That’s admirable
- That’s commendable
- That’s a great idea
- I love that
- That’s truly something special
1) That’s awesome
Definition: A casual, energetic way to say something is very good or exciting.
Meanings: Very impressive, Really enjoyable, Worth praising
Example: That’s awesome! You actually finished the whole project in one day.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is one of the most popular replacements for “How cool.” It’s friendly, positive, and works in most casual conversations. You can use it for achievements, surprises, gifts, plans, or good news. It also feels warm and supportive, which makes it great for daily talk.
Tone: Casual, enthusiastic
Best use: Friends, family, social media, daily conversation
2) That’s amazing
Definition: A strong compliment showing admiration or surprise.
Meanings: Extremely impressive, Hard to believe (in a good way)
Example: That’s amazing! Your painting looks professional.
Detailed Explanation: “That’s amazing” is slightly more emotional than “awesome.” It works well when something truly impresses you, especially creative work or achievements. It can also be used politely in semi-formal situations without sounding childish. This makes it a perfect everyday alternative.
Tone: Warm, appreciative
Best use: Compliments, achievements, creativity, good news
3) That’s incredible
Definition: A powerful reaction to something surprising or outstanding.
Meanings: Unbelievably good, Extremely impressive
Example: That’s incredible! You traveled to five countries this year?
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is stronger than “amazing” and shows a deeper level of shock + admiration. It is great when someone does something rare, big, or unexpected. It also sounds good in both casual and professional contexts.
Tone: Excited, admiring
Best use: Big achievements, travel stories, surprising news
4) That’s fantastic
Definition: A cheerful way to show something is excellent.
Meanings: Very good, Extremely enjoyable
Example: That’s fantastic! I’m so happy for you.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase feels positive, friendly, and slightly more polite than “awesome.” It’s perfect when you want to sound supportive and happy. It is commonly used in workplaces too.
Tone: Positive, cheerful
Best use: Workplaces, congratulations, happy reactions
5) That’s brilliant
Definition: A smart compliment meaning something is clever or excellent.
Meanings: Very intelligent, Highly impressive
Example: That’s brilliant! Your solution saved so much time.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is popular in British English, but it’s widely understood everywhere. It works best when praising someone’s idea, plan, or problem-solving skills. It sounds intelligent and respectful.
Tone: Smart, admiring
Best use: Ideas, strategies, creative thinking
6) That’s impressive
Definition: A polite and professional way to show admiration for someone’s skills or results.
Meanings: Very admirable, Strong performance
Example: That’s impressive. You handled that presentation with so much confidence.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is a great replacement for “How cool.” It fits perfectly in workplaces and formal conversations. It highlights someone’s effort, talent, and achievement without sounding too casual. It also feels respectful and mature.
Tone: Professional, respectful
Best use: Work meetings, interviews, academic praise
7) That’s remarkable
Definition: A strong compliment for something unusual, special, or extraordinary.
Meanings: Truly notable, Worth remembering
Example: That’s remarkable. Your dedication is really inspiring.
Detailed Explanation: “Remarkable” is a more elevated alternative to “How cool.” It’s used when something is genuinely rare or exceptional. It adds depth to your compliment and works well in both formal and emotional situations.
Tone: Formal, admiring
Best use: Serious achievements, leadership, inspiring actions
8) That’s outstanding
Definition: A formal compliment meaning something is excellent and above average.
Meanings: Top-quality, Exceptional performance
Example: That’s outstanding. Your report was clear and well-researched.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is often used in workplaces, award speeches, and academic settings. It sounds confident and respectful, and gives a sense of high value. If you want a strong professional alternative to “How cool,” this one is perfect.
Tone: Formal, praising
Best use: Professional feedback, awards, performance reviews
9) That’s mind-blowing
Definition: A dramatic way to express extreme surprise and admiration.
Meanings: Hard to believe, Shocking in a good way
Example: That’s mind-blowing! You learned English that fast?
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is perfect when something feels almost unreal. It adds excitement and energy to your reaction. It’s stronger than “amazing” and is commonly used in casual conversations when someone shares something unexpected or incredible.
Tone: Excited, dramatic
Best use: Big surprises, achievements, shocking good news
10) That’s epic
Definition: A fun, modern expression for something extremely cool or exciting.
Meanings: Legendary-level, Very exciting
Example: That’s epic! That vacation looks like a dream.
Detailed Explanation: “Epic” is often used by younger speakers, but widely understood. Perfect for exciting experiences like travel, adventures, or fun plans. Gives a strong “wow” feeling.
Tone: Casual, hyped
Best use: Friends, social media, exciting stories
11) That’s sick (slang)
Definition: A slang compliment meaning something is extremely cool or impressive.
Meanings: Very stylish, Really impressive
Example: That’s sick! Your new bike looks amazing.
Detailed Explanation: Even though “sick” literally means ill, in slang it means awesome. Common among friends and casual settings. Avoid in professional situations.
Tone: Slang, casual
Best use: Friends, gaming, youth culture
12) That’s dope (slang)
Definition: A slang phrase meaning something is very cool, stylish, or impressive.
Meanings: Very cool, Stylish
Example: That’s dope! I love the design of your logo.
Detailed Explanation: Popular in casual English, especially music and street culture. Best with friends or relaxed environments. Trendy replacement for “How cool.”
Tone: Casual, street-style
Best use: Friends, fashion, music, creative work
13) That’s fire (slang)
Definition: Modern slang meaning something is extremely good or attractive.
Meanings: Super impressive, Very stylish
Example: That’s fire! Your outfit looks perfect.
Detailed Explanation: Used when something looks, sounds, or feels amazing. Popular on social media and with youth. Strong casual replacement for “How cool.”
Tone: Trendy, hyped
Best use: Fashion, music, Instagram, friends
14) That’s lit (slang)
Definition: Slang for something exciting, fun, or amazing.
Meanings: Very fun, High-energy
Example: That party was lit! I had such a great time.
Detailed Explanation: Used for events, parties, celebrations, or fun experiences. Youthful vibe, common online. Good replacement for “How cool” when talking about exciting moments.
Tone: Casual, party vibe
Best use: Events, parties, celebrations, friends
15) That’s wild
Definition: A casual phrase showing surprise, shock, or excitement.
Meanings: Hard to believe, Crazy surprising
Example: That’s wild! You met your favorite celebrity?
Detailed Explanation: Used when something is unexpected or unbelievable. Expresses both positive shock and curiosity. Fun replacement for “How cool”, especially in storytelling.
Tone: Surprised, casual
Best use: Surprising news, gossip, shocking stories
Read More : 30 Other Ways to Say “How Is It Going?” (With Examples)
16) That’s next-level
Definition: A modern compliment meaning something is above normal standards.
Meanings: Advanced quality, Extra impressive
Example: That’s next-level. Your editing skills are insane.
Detailed Explanation: Used when something feels like it’s in a different league. Common in creative industries, sports, and social media. Adds emphasis, modern and strong compliment.
Tone: Modern, admiring
Best use: Skills, creativity, talent, performance
17) That’s legendary
Definition: A powerful compliment meaning something is unforgettable or iconic.
Meanings: Iconic, Extremely memorable
Example: That’s legendary! You helped everyone without asking for anything back.
Detailed Explanation: Used when someone does something that deserves huge respect. Can be serious or playful. Strong replacement for “How cool” to make someone feel special.
Tone: Strong, praising
Best use: Big wins, memorable moments, heroic actions
18) That’s genius
Definition: A compliment meaning something is very smart or clever.
Meanings: Extremely intelligent, Clever solution
Example: That’s genius! Why didn’t I think of that?
Detailed Explanation: Perfect when someone has a clever idea or solution. Great for praising creativity and intelligence. Strong alternative to “How cool” for smart thinking.
Tone: Admiring, friendly
Best use: Ideas, problem-solving, clever plans
19) That’s top-notch
Definition: Something is of the highest quality.
Meanings: High-quality, Excellent standard
Example: That’s top-notch. Your work looks very professional.
Detailed Explanation: Sounds confident and mature. Often used for products, services, or work. Professional alternative to “How cool” for formal contexts.
Tone: Professional, praising
Best use: Work, services, quality feedback, reviews
20) That’s so creative
Definition: A compliment for someone’s imagination or originality.
Meanings: Very original, Imaginative
Example: That’s so creative! I love the way you designed this.
Detailed Explanation: Perfect for art, writing, design, or any creative idea. More specific than “cool,” highlights creativity. Warm, personal, and encouraging.
Tone: Warm, encouraging
Best use: Art, design, writing, creative projects
21) That’s so thoughtful
Definition: A kind compliment for someone’s caring actions.
Meanings: Very considerate, Emotionally meaningful
Example: That’s so thoughtful. You remembered my favorite snack.
Detailed Explanation: Expresses emotional appreciation. Perfect for gifts, supportive gestures, and romantic moments. Shows you noticed the person’s effort and heart.
Tone: Emotional, sweet
Best use: Gifts, relationships, kindness, appreciation
22) That’s so inspiring
Definition: A compliment meaning something motivates you emotionally.
Meanings: Motivating, Uplifting
Example: That’s so inspiring. Your journey gives me hope.
Detailed Explanation: Works beautifully when someone shares personal growth, success, or struggle. Shows deep respect and emotional connection. Powerful alternative to “How cool” in meaningful conversations.
Tone: Emotional, uplifting
Best use: Motivation, life stories, success journeys
23) That’s so classy
Definition: Compliment meaning something is elegant, stylish, and tasteful.
Meanings: Elegant, Refined
Example: That’s so classy. Your wedding decor looks beautiful.
Detailed Explanation: Perfect for fashion, style, behavior, or design. Highlights elegance rather than excitement. Mature and refined alternative to “How cool.”
Tone: Admiring, refined
Best use: Fashion, decor, elegant behavior, events
24) That’s beautiful
Definition: A warm compliment for something emotionally or visually pleasing.
Meanings: Visually attractive, Emotionally touching
Example: That’s beautiful. Your words really touched my heart.
Detailed Explanation: Deeper than “cool.” Can be used for art, poetry, nature, and emotional moments. Fits romantic and spiritual contexts. Expresses genuine feelings.
Tone: Emotional, romantic
Best use: Art, poetry, love, meaningful moments
25) That’s elegant
Definition: A refined compliment for something simple, graceful, and well-designed.
Meanings: Graceful, Tasteful
Example: That’s elegant. Your presentation slides look clean and professional.
Detailed Explanation: Excellent for design, fashion, and professional work. Shows appreciation for simplicity and style. Great formal alternative to “How cool.”
Tone: Formal, refined
Best use: Design, work, fashion, professional compliments
26) That’s admirable
Definition: Respectful compliment for someone’s character, effort, or values.
Meanings: Respect-worthy, Honorable
Example: That’s admirable. You stayed honest even when it was difficult.
Detailed Explanation: Serious and respectful. Focuses on integrity, courage, or dedication. Perfect replacement for “How cool” in moral or meaningful situations.
Tone: Respectful, serious
Best use: Values, ethics, leadership, character praise
27) That’s commendable
Definition: A formal compliment meaning something deserves praise.
Meanings: Praise-worthy, Respectable effort
Example: That’s commendable. Your volunteer work really helps the community.
Detailed Explanation: Used in professional or political contexts. Formal and mature. Works best when someone does something responsible, kind, or socially beneficial.
Tone: Formal, professional
Best use: Speeches, leadership praise, public recognition
28) That’s a great idea
Definition: Simple compliment showing approval for someone’s plan or suggestion.
Meanings: Smart suggestion, Good plan
Example: That’s a great idea. Let’s do it that way.
Detailed Explanation: Practical and very common. Works in casual and professional settings. Good replacement for “How cool” when responding to suggestions.
Tone: Friendly, practical
Best use: Meetings, teamwork, planning, discussions
29) I love that
Definition: Warm phrase showing strong personal liking or emotional approval.
Meanings: I really like it, It makes me happy
Example: I love that! Your caption is so meaningful.
Detailed Explanation: Emotional and personal. Perfect for social media, relationships, and friendly conversations. Can sound romantic depending on tone. Natural alternative to “How cool.”
Tone: Warm, personal
Best use: Friends, romance, social media, compliments
30) That’s truly something special
Definition: Heartfelt compliment meaning something is unique and meaningful.
Meanings: Very rare, Deeply valuable
Example: That’s truly something special. Not everyone has that kind of heart.
Detailed Explanation: Emotional, deep, and memorable. Perfect to praise someone in a sincere way. Works beautifully in romantic, spiritual, and respectful contexts. One of the best alternatives to “How cool” when you want to sound meaningful.
Tone: Emotional, sincere
Best use: Deep compliments, relationships, spiritual appreciation
FAQs:
Q1: What are some friendly alternatives to “How cool”?
You can say awesome, amazing, impressive, or fantastic to show interest and approval in a friendly and natural way.
Q2: How can I make “How cool” sound less casual in professional settings?
Use phrases like remarkable, noteworthy, or outstanding, which express admiration and excitement while maintaining a professional tone.
Q3: Can I use different words to connect better with friends or colleagues?
Yes! Finding the right words and alternatives can help connect deeper in conversations and make your message personal, warm, and engaging.
Q4: Are there tips for choosing the best alternative?
Thoughtful alternatives and best-use tips suggest changing tone depending on formal situations or informal situations to show respect, care, and excitement.
Q5: How can learners use these phrases confidently?
Practicing different ways to say How cool helps learners communicate with confidence, express admiration, and make their English sound meaningful and genuine.
Conclusion :
Using Other Ways to Say “How Cool” (With Examples) can make your English sound more expressive, friendly, and natural. Whether in formal situations or chatting with friends, finding the right words, phrases, and alternatives helps connect with others, show interest, and express admiration in a personal, warm, and thoughtful way.
Daniel Brown is the founder of EnglishSharpMind, dedicated to helping learners sharpen their English skills through clear explanations, practical tips, and smart learning strategies.
