Finding the right words to express warmth, appreciation, and genuine care can make your communication feel more personal and heartfelt. Sometimes saying “How cool” works perfectly—but other times, you may want something more expressive, more meaningful, or more emotionally aware.
This guide gives you 30 thoughtful alternatives, each explained in simple English, with definitions, tone, examples, best use, and when not to use them. Every section is written to help you build trust, show empathy, and communicate with clarity and confidence.
What Does “How Cool” Mean?
“How cool” is a casual phrase used to show surprise, delight, admiration, or interest. It expresses a positive emotional reaction, usually in a friendly or relaxed way.
When to Use “How Cool”
Use “How cool” when you want to react to something:
- Impressive
- Interesting
- Unexpected in a good way
- Delightful or fun
- Emotionally uplifting
It works in casual conversations, social media messages, or spontaneous reactions to good news.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “How Cool”?
Saying “How cool” is polite, but it’s not always professional.
It fits well in friendly workplace chats, but not in formal emails, presentations, or serious business discussions.
If you want something professional, try:
“That’s impressive.”, “That sounds great.”, or “That’s wonderful news.
Pros or Cons of Saying “How Cool”
Pros
- Friendly and easy to understand
- Works well in casual chats
- Shows positive emotion
- Helps express quick excitement
Cons
- Too casual for formal settings
- May sound vague
- Does not show deep or thoughtful appreciation
Synonyms For “How Cool”
- That’s amazing
- That’s wonderful
- That’s impressive
- That’s awesome
- That’s fantastic
- That’s brilliant
- That’s lovely
- That’s exciting
- That’s incredible
- That’s delightful
- That’s inspiring
- That’s uplifting
- That’s surprising in a good way
- That’s truly special
- That’s so thoughtful
- That’s really interesting
- That’s encouraging
- That’s beautiful
- That’s remarkable
- That’s encouraging to hear
- That’s such great news
- That’s heartwarming
- That’s so neat
- That’s refreshing
- That’s pretty amazing
1. That’s Amazing
Meaning: Something that surprises you in a wonderful way.
Definition: Expresses admiration for something unusually good.
Tone: Warm, positive, uplifting.
Detailed Explanation:
Use this phrase when you want to show real appreciation for impressive news or achievements.
Scenario Example:
“You built that yourself? That’s amazing.”
Best Use: When someone shares something they worked hard on.
When Not to Use: When someone shares sad or sensitive news.
2. That’s Wonderful
Meaning: Shows joy and emotional warmth.
Definition: Used to express deep happiness for someone.
Tone: Caring, supportive.
Example:
“You finally got the job? That’s wonderful.”
Best Use: Celebrating achievements or happy news.
When Not to Use: For neutral or routine information.
3. That’s Impressive
Meaning: Admiring someone’s skill or achievement.
Definition: Highlights respect for effort or talent.
Tone: Professional and respectful.
Example:
“You completed that project early? That’s impressive.”
Best Use: Workplace or professional settings.
When Not to Use: Casual jokes or small talk.
4. That’s Awesome
Meaning: Strong admiration.
Definition: Positive reaction to something exciting.
Tone: Casual, energetic.
Example:
“Your vacation photos? That’s awesome.”
Best Use: Friendly conversations.
When Not to Use: In formal emails.
5. That’s Fantastic
Meaning: Very good or highly enjoyable.
Tone: Cheerful and enthusiastic.
Example:
“Your test results improved? That’s fantastic.”
Best Use: Celebrating good news.
When Not to Use: When news is minor or neutral.
6. That’s Brilliant
Meaning: Smart or cleverly done.
Tone: Affirming and appreciative.
Example:
“Your idea for the design update? That’s brilliant.”
Best Use: Praising creativity.
When Not to Use: When sarcasm might be misunderstood.
7. That’s Lovely
Meaning: Something pleasant or heartwarming.
Tone: Soft, emotional.
Example:
“You made cookies? That’s lovely.”
Best Use: Gentle or thoughtful moments.
When Not to Use: For big achievements—too soft.
8. That’s Exciting
Meaning: Something thrilling or full of positive anticipation.
Tone: Energizing.
Example:
“You’re starting a new class? That’s exciting.”
Best Use: Future plans or new opportunities.
When Not to Use: Serious or stressful updates.
9. That’s Incredible
Meaning: Hard to believe because it’s so good.
Tone: Strong admiration.
Example:
“You learned that in one week? That’s incredible.”
Best Use: For major achievements or skills.
When Not to Use: When subtlety is needed.
10. That’s Delightful
Meaning: Something charming and pleasant.
Tone: Soft and joyful.
Example:
“Your garden looks lovely. That’s delightful.”
Best Use: Beautiful or gentle experiences.
When Not to Use: For intense or shocking news.
11. That’s Inspiring
Meaning: Encourages admiration and motivation.
Tone: Respectful, emotional.
Example:
“You never gave up. That’s inspiring.”
Best Use: Personal growth stories.
When Not to Use: Casual updates.
12. That’s Uplifting
Meaning: Makes people feel more positive.
Tone: Supportive.
Example:
“Your message was so kind. That’s uplifting.”
Best Use: Emotional or supportive contexts.
When Not to Use: Neutral facts.
13. That’s Surprising in a Good Way
Meaning: Unexpected positive news.
Tone: Honest and warm.
Example:
“You finished early? That’s surprising in a good way.”
Best Use: Pleasant surprises.
When Not to Use: Negative surprises.
14. That’s Truly Special
Meaning: Something unique and meaningful.
Tone: Emotional and sincere.
Example:
“Your letter was truly special.”
Best Use: Heartfelt moments.
When Not to Use: Casual conversations.
15. That’s So Thoughtful
Meaning: Shows appreciation for kindness.
Tone: Caring.
Example:
“You remembered my birthday? That’s so thoughtful.”
Best Use: Acts of kindness.
When Not to Use: Achievements or facts.
Read More:25 Other Ways to Say ‘How Are You’ (With Examples)
16. That’s Really Interesting
Meaning: Something worth thinking about.
Tone: Curious and warm.
Example:
“Your idea about the layout? That’s really interesting.”
Best Use: Creative ideas or new concepts.
When Not To Use: When you want strong enthusiasm.
17. That’s Encouraging
Meaning: Gives hope or motivation.
Tone: Supportive.
Example:
“Your progress is encouraging.”
Best Use: Growth, recovery, improvement.
When Not To Use: Celebrations.
18. That’s Beautiful
Meaning: Something emotionally or visually lovely.
Tone: Soft and heartfelt.
Example:
“Your poem? That’s beautiful.”
Best Use: Art, emotions, gestures.
When Not To Use: Facts or achievements.
19. That’s Remarkable
Meaning: Worth noticing and remembering.
Tone: Respectful and strong.
Example:
“Your dedication is remarkable.”
Best Use: Hard work and achievements.
When Not To Use: Casual chats.
20. That’s Encouraging to Hear
Meaning: Positive news bringing hope.
Tone: Stable and supportive.
Example:
“Your health is improving? That’s encouraging to hear.”
Best Use: Sensitive topics.
When Not To Use: Fun or playful conversations.
21. That’s Such Great News
Meaning: Strong positive reaction to good updates.
Tone: Happy and sincere.
Example:
“You passed the exam? That’s such great news.”
Best Use: Celebrations.
When Not To Use: Very small updates.
22. That’s Heartwarming
Meaning: Moves your emotions in a good way.
Tone: Emotional and caring.
Example:
“You helped your neighbor? That’s heartwarming.”
Best Use: Kindness or compassion.
When Not To Use: Skills or achievements.
23. That’s So Neat
Meaning: Simple, pleasant admiration.
Tone: Friendly and casual.
Example:
“You organized everything perfectly. That’s so neat.”
Best Use: Fun or small discoveries.
When Not To Use: Professional settings.
24. That’s Refreshing
Meaning: Something new in a good way.
Tone: Honest and appreciative.
Example:
“Your approach is refreshing.”
Best Use: Ideas, behavior, perspective.
When Not To Use: Emotional news.
25. That’s Pretty Amazing
Meaning: Slightly softer than “amazing.”
Tone: Casual admiration.
Example:
“Your drawing is pretty amazing.”
Best Use: Compliments.
When Not To Use: Serious achievements.
FAQs About Other Ways to Say “How Cool”
1. Is “How Cool” too casual for professional conversations?
Yes, “How cool” is casual, so it may feel out of place in formal or corporate settings. If you want something more professional, try “That’s impressive,” “That sounds great,” or “That’s wonderful news.”
2. What can I say instead of “How Cool” in a formal email?
You can use:
- That’s impressive.
- That’s excellent.
- That’s great to hear. These phrases sound polished and respectful.
3. Are these alternatives good for emotional or sensitive conversations?
Yes—phrases like “That’s meaningful,” “That’s uplifting,” “That’s heartwarming,” or “That’s encouraging” work well for supportive, personal moments.
4. Which phrase is best for celebrating achievements?
Use “That’s amazing,” “That’s fantastic,” “That’s remarkable,” or “That’s incredible.” These express strong admiration and warmth.
5. Can these alternatives help me sound more empathetic?
Definitely. Many of the phrases in this guide are designed to show care, emotional awareness, and genuine interest, helping you create deeper and more meaningful connections.
Conclusion
Finding new and thoughtful ways to say “How Cool” helps you communicate with more warmth, clarity, and emotional depth. Whether you want something professional, heartfelt, casual, or encouraging, these 30 alternatives give you the freedom to express yourself in a way that feels genuine and personal.
Choosing the right words builds trust, strengthens relationships, and shows people that you’re truly listening. With these phrases in your toolkit, you can respond with a tone that matches the moment—whether it’s joyful, inspiring, comforting, or simply uplifting.
