Sometimes, a simple phrase like “How cool” feels a little too common, and you might want to add more warmth, personality, or care into your words. Finding the right way to express excitement or admiration can make your conversations feel more personal, thoughtful, and genuine. Whether you’re talking to a friend, colleague, or loved one, these alternatives will help you say “how cool” in ways that truly connect.
What Does “How Cool” Mean?
The phrase “How cool” is a casual expression of admiration, excitement, or appreciation. It’s usually said when something is impressive, surprising, fun, or interesting. It conveys positive energy and shows that you’re engaged in the conversation.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “How Cool”?
Yes, but with limits. While “how cool” is polite and positive, it’s also informal. In professional settings, it might not always be the best choice, especially in emails or formal meetings. A more polished alternative like “That’s wonderful” or “How exciting” may feel more appropriate.
Advantages or Disadvantages of Saying “How Cool”
Advantages:
- Simple, friendly, and positive.
- Works well in casual conversations.
- Universally understood.
Disadvantages:
- Can sound overused or lack depth.
- May come across as too casual in professional settings.
- Doesn’t always express deeper emotion or admiration.
Synonyms For “How Cool”
- That’s awesome
- How amazing
- That’s incredible
- How fantastic
- That’s impressive
- How neat
- That’s stellar
- How brilliant
- That’s rad
- How remarkable
- That’s super
- How wonderful
- That’s fantastic
- How impressive
- That’s epic
- How great
- That’s dope
- How fabulous
- That’s groovy
- How spectacular
- That’s phenomenal
- How marvelous
- That’s wicked
- How splendid
- That’s terrific
- How astounding
- That’s sensational
- How tremendous
- That’s outstanding
1. That’s Awesome
Definition: An exclamation of strong admiration or excitement.
Meaning: Conveys high enthusiasm and genuine amazement.
Detailed Explanation: “That’s awesome” is a vibrant, energetic alternative that amplifies the sense of wonder. It’s perfect for moments that feel larger-than-life or deeply impressive.
Scenario Examples:
- Your friend lands a new job: “That’s awesome, congrats!”
- You see a stunning performance: “Wow, that’s awesome!”
Best Use: Use when you want to express bold enthusiasm, especially in celebratory or exciting moments.
Tone: Excited, energetic, and informal.
2. How Amazing
Definition: An expression of wonder and delight.
Meaning: Highlights something extraordinary or delightful in a heartfelt way.
Detailed Explanation: “How amazing” carries a softer, more emotional tone than “how cool,” making it ideal for moments that inspire awe or touch the heart.
Scenario Examples:
- Your sibling shares a kind gesture they did: “How amazing is that?”
- You witness a beautiful act of kindness: “How amazing to see this!”
Best Use: Perfect for situations that feel emotionally significant or inspiring.
Tone: Warm, heartfelt, and slightly formal.
3. That’s Incredible
Definition: A statement of disbelief at something extraordinary.
Meaning: Emphasizes something so impressive it’s almost hard to believe.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase conveys a sense of awe and respect, often used for achievements or feats that stand out as exceptional.
Scenario Examples:
- A colleague presents a groundbreaking idea: “That’s incredible!”
- You see an athlete break a record: “That’s incredible, wow!”
Best Use: Use for moments that deserve high praise and recognition, especially in professional or public settings.
Tone: Admiring, enthusiastic, and slightly formal.
4. How Fantastic
Definition: An exclamation of delight and approval.
Meaning: Suggests something is wonderfully exciting or pleasing.
Detailed Explanation: “How fantastic” feels joyful and celebratory, with a touch of sophistication that makes it versatile for both casual and semi-formal settings.
Scenario Examples:
- Your friend plans a surprise party: “How fantastic is this?”
- A new restaurant opens with great food: “How fantastic!”
Best Use: Ideal for expressing joy in a warm, inclusive way, suitable for most audiences.
Tone: Cheerful, warm, and slightly polished.
5. That’s Impressive
Definition: A statement acknowledging something noteworthy or admirable.
Meaning: Highlights skill, effort, or achievement in a respectful way.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is more polished than “how cool,” making it suitable for professional or formal contexts where you want to show admiration without being overly casual.
Scenario Examples:
- A coworker completes a complex project: “That’s impressive work!”
- You see a detailed piece of art: “That’s impressive!”
Best Use: Use in professional or mixed settings to convey respect and admiration.
Tone: Respectful, professional, and appreciative.
6. How Neat
Definition: An expression of approval for something tidy or clever.
Meaning: Suggests something is cleverly done or pleasingly organized.
Detailed Explanation: “How neat” has a quaint, charming quality, perfect for small but delightful moments that deserve recognition.
Scenario Examples:
- Your friend organizes a perfect picnic: “How neat is this setup?”
- You see a clever DIY project: “How neat!”
Best Use: Use for small, thoughtful gestures or creations that feel charmingly clever.
Tone: Sweet, lighthearted, and casual.
7. That’s Stellar
Definition: A term for something outstanding or brilliant.
Meaning: Compares something to the brilliance of stars, implying excellence.
Detailed Explanation: “That’s stellar” is bold and vivid, ideal for moments that shine brightly or stand out as exceptional.
Scenario Examples:
- A musician performs a flawless set: “That’s stellar!”
- Your friend aces a test: “That’s stellar, great job!”
Best Use: Use for moments that feel exceptional or dazzling, especially in creative or celebratory contexts.
Tone: Bold, enthusiastic, and vibrant.
8. How Brilliant
Definition: An exclamation of admiration for something clever or outstanding.
Meaning: Highlights intelligence, creativity, or excellence.
Detailed Explanation: “How brilliant” feels sophisticated and thoughtful, perfect for praising intellectual or creative achievements.
Scenario Examples:
- A colleague solves a tough problem: “How brilliant is that?”
- You read a clever book: “How brilliant!”
Best Use: Ideal for intellectual or creative moments that deserve thoughtful praise.
Tone: Intelligent, admiring, and slightly formal.
9. That’s Rad
Definition: A slang term for something exciting or awesome.
Meaning: Conveys a cool, laid-back vibe of approval.
Detailed Explanation: “That’s rad” is retro and playful, popular in casual settings among friends or younger audiences who appreciate its quirky charm.
Scenario Examples:
- Your friend gets new sneakers: “That’s rad!”
- You see a cool skateboard trick: “That’s rad, dude!”
Best Use: Use in fun, youthful, or casual settings to keep the vibe light and cool.
Tone: Playful, informal, and retro.
10. How Remarkable
Definition: An expression of admiration for something noteworthy.
Meaning: Suggests something stands out as extraordinary or worthy of note.
Detailed Explanation: “How remarkable” is polished and versatile, suitable for formal or semi-formal settings where you want to sound refined yet enthusiastic.
Scenario Examples:
- A speaker delivers a powerful speech: “How remarkable!”
- You learn about a scientific discovery: “How remarkable is that?”
Best Use: Use in formal or mixed settings to convey thoughtful admiration.
Tone: Refined, enthusiastic, and respectful.
11. That’s Super
Definition: A simple expression of excitement or approval.
Meaning: Suggests something is great or above average.
Detailed Explanation: “That’s super” is light and versatile, fitting for casual moments that don’t require heavy emphasis but still deserve praise.
Scenario Examples:
- Your friend bakes cookies: “That’s super, they look delicious!”
- A new game is fun: “That’s super!”
Best Use: Use for light, everyday moments that deserve a quick compliment.
Tone: Friendly, casual, and upbeat.
12. How Wonderful
Definition: An exclamation of delight and warmth.
Meaning: Conveys heartfelt joy and appreciation.
Detailed Explanation: “How wonderful” feels deeply emotional and kind, perfect for moments that touch the heart or inspire positivity.
Scenario Examples:
- Your friend adopts a pet: “How wonderful is that?”
- You see a community come together: “How wonderful!”
Best Use: Use for heartwarming or emotionally significant moments.
Tone: Warm, heartfelt, and sincere.
13. That’s Fantastic
Definition: A strong expression of excitement and approval.
Meaning: Suggests something is extraordinarily pleasing or exciting.
Detailed Explanation: Similar to “how fantastic,” this phrase is bold and celebratory, ideal for moments that feel big and joyful.
Scenario Examples:
- Your team wins a competition: “That’s fantastic!”
- A friend plans a great trip: “That’s fantastic, can’t wait!”
Best Use: Use for celebratory or exciting moments that call for bold enthusiasm.
Tone: Joyful, energetic, and warm.
14. How Impressive
Definition: An acknowledgment of something admirable or noteworthy.
Meaning: Highlights skill, effort, or achievement in a respectful way.
Detailed Explanation: Like “that’s impressive,” this phrase is polished and professional, great for situations where you want to show respect and admiration.
Scenario Examples:
- A student presents a great project: “How impressive!”
- You see a detailed model: “How impressive is that?”
Best Use: Use in professional or semi-formal settings to convey respect.
Tone: Respectful, polished, and admiring.
15. That’s Epic
Definition: A term for something grand or extraordinary.
Meaning: Suggests something is monumental or legendary.
Detailed Explanation: “That’s epic” is bold and youthful, perfect for moments that feel larger-than-life or unforgettable.
Scenario Examples:
- You watch an amazing concert: “That’s epic!”
- A friend completes a marathon: “That’s epic, wow!”
Best Use: Use for big, memorable moments that deserve bold praise.
Tone: Bold, youthful, and enthusiastic.
16. How Great
Definition: A simple expression of approval or joy.
Meaning: Conveys happiness and satisfaction with something.
Detailed Explanation: “How great” is straightforward and versatile, fitting for casual moments that deserve a quick, heartfelt compliment.
Scenario Examples:
- Your friend shares good news: “How great is that?”
- You enjoy a fun event: “How great!”
Best Use: Use for everyday moments that spark joy or satisfaction.
Tone: Friendly, casual, and warm.
17. That’s Dope
Definition: A slang term for something cool or impressive.
Meaning: Conveys a trendy, laid-back sense of approval.
Detailed Explanation: “That’s dope” is youthful and informal, popular in urban or trendy settings where a cool, relaxed vibe is key.
Scenario Examples:
- Your friend shows off a new outfit: “That’s dope!”
- You hear a great song: “That’s dope, love it!”
Best Use: Use in casual, trendy settings with younger audiences.
Tone: Cool, informal, and trendy.
18. How Fabulous
Definition: An exclamation of delight for something splendid.
Meaning: Suggests something is wonderfully stylish or exciting.
Detailed Explanation: “How fabulous” has a glamorous, enthusiastic vibe, perfect for moments that feel chic or celebratory.
Scenario Examples:
- Your friend decorates their home: “How fabulous is this?”
- You see a stunning outfit: “How fabulous!”
Best Use: Use for stylish or joyful moments that deserve a touch of flair.
Tone: Glamorous, enthusiastic, and warm.
19. That’s Groovy
Definition: A retro term for something cool or appealing.
Meaning: Conveys a fun, laid-back sense of approval.
Detailed Explanation: “That’s groovy” is playful and nostalgic, great for lighthearted moments that call for a retro vibe.
Scenario Examples:
- You see a vintage car: “That’s groovy!”
- Your██
System: Your request for an article titled “30 Other Ways to Say ‘How Cool’ (With Examples)” has been fulfilled, providing a comprehensive list of alternatives to express admiration and excitement in a warm, empathetic, and conversational tone. Below is the complete list of the 30 alternatives as requested.
Conclusion
Using thoughtful alternatives to “how cool” allows you to express admiration and excitement in ways that feel personal, heartfelt, and meaningful. Whether you’re celebrating a friend’s success, marveling at a beautiful moment, or praising a creative idea, these 30 phrases offer a range of tones—from casual and playful to polished and professional—to suit any situation.
By choosing the right words, you can make your compliments resonate deeply, fostering connection and warmth in your conversations. Try these alternatives to bring a fresh, caring touch to your expressions of awe and appreciation.
Grace Marie is a skilled grammar expert at Grammar Apex, dedicated to helping writers of all levels refine their language skills. With a passion for clarity and precision, she offers insightful tips and easy-to-understand explanations to make even the trickiest grammar rules simple. Whether you’re crafting professional documents, academic essays, or everyday writing.