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Synonyms

sub-zero

American  
[suhb-zeer-oh] / sʌbˈzɪər oʊ /

adjective

  1. indicating or recording lower than zero on some scale, especially on the Fahrenheit scale.

    a week of sub-zero temperatures.

  2. characterized by or appropriate for sub-zero temperatures.

    sub-zero climates; sub-zero clothing for the exploration.


Etymology

Origin of sub-zero

sub- + zero

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.

See Examples For:

That strike, at dawn on January 9, left half the capital without heating and many residents without electricity for days in sub-zero temperatures.

From Barron's Jan. 20, 2026

They are also without the suspended Lamine Yamal for Wednesday's match, which will take place in sub-zero conditions.

From Barron's Jan. 20, 2026

Temperatures are sub-zero inside Aker Arctic Technology's ice laboratory, as the scale model of an icebreaker cruises down a 70m-long simulation tank.

From BBC Jan. 18, 2026

The CEO of energy company Yasno said the whole city had gone into "emergency shutdowns" as a result, while emergency workers sought to put out fires and reconnect supplies in sub-zero temperatures.

From BBC Jan. 13, 2026

He was behind his curtain now, looking down at himself freezing under the impact of water in sub-zero winds.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright

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