as in chilly
uncomfortably cool
a Southern visitor who was unused to the chilling air of a Northeast winter
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in freezing
to cause to lose heat
chill the gelatin for two hours, until it sets
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in relaxing
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
you want to hang out with us and just chill this weekend?
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in discouraging
to lessen the courage or confidence of
investors chilled by the floundering economy
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4
as in lounging
to spend time doing nothing
instead of going out tonight, let's stay in and chill
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chilling
Chris Lau, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
The film provides a chilling look at what could happen if a nuclear missile were launched at the United States.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 31 Oct. 2025
John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
The episode came to an end with Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) watching the flames engulf the building — a chilling parallel to the scene in season 13, during which showed her watch the hospital burn from the parking lot as well.
—Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Adjective
That especially applies to properties linked to some of the city’s most chilling murder cases.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
The film provides a chilling look at what could happen if a nuclear missile were launched at the United States.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
Twenty-three years ago in Berkeley, members of Americana noir band Loretta Lynch launched the annual Murder Ballads Bash, a showcase of artists across musical genres, each playing one bone-chilling tune.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
The episode came to an end with Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) watching the flames engulf the building — a chilling parallel to the scene in season 13, during which showed her watch the hospital burn from the parking lot as well.
—Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chilling
Adjective
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My favorite is the Turtle Fur Totally Tubular—100 percent merino wool that traps heat better than fleece while staying breathable, keeping me warm even in sudden snow or chilly winds.—
Ariana Dickson,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
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Deliciously tailgate-ready for a chilly Saturday, this hearty chili is an easy way to serve large crowds.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Mikie Sherrill, the successful Democratic candidate for governor of New Jersey, made freezing electric rates a centerpiece of her victorious campaign, and got huge applause in mentioning the issue in her victory speech.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Temperatures will plummet below freezing early Monday thanks to a blast of Canadian air, the weather service said.—
Kirsten Fiscus,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Your Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke Decreases Foods rich in dietary nitrates, like beets, help increase blood flow by widening and relaxing blood vessels.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
4 Nov. 2025
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There are also all kinds of activities to partake in; however, one of my favorites is relaxing.—
Jenn Rice,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The initiative also coincides with the $100,000 H-1B application fee, introduced September 21, two days after the DOL announcement—a White House move aimed at discouraging bulk filings by staffing and outsourcing firms.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
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After possibly allowing the opening touchdown to Browns tight end Harold Fannin, Spillane was everywhere; diagnosing run plays, discouraging throws and snagging an interception in the second half.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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With sizes ranging from 0 to 20 and four different inseam options (19, 23, 25, and 28 inches), these lightweight and sweat-wicking leggings are perfect for everything from lounging to long workouts, with plenty of space to keep your essentials in easy reach.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
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The extra-wide, contoured seat and tall backrest make lounging effortless, while the 450-pound weight capacity adds peace of mind.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Peonies also require a period of chill time that signals bud formation while the plant is dormant.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
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Per Deadline, the show will be set in 1991, a totally chill time to be a cop in Los Angeles.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Ice Therapy Ice therapy involves cooling the painful area of your back.—
RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan,
Health,
25 Oct. 2025
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Keep scrolling for more cooling comforters.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Florida’s final moments against Georgia were fitting for a fireside horror story — that which fans will tell years from now, recounting to their grandchildren the dark ages of this resting college football power.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
2 Nov. 2025
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They were dealt around the table, open beers resting without coasters, with the Blue Jays down two games in the ALCS.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chilling. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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