: gravely disturbing or frightening
a chilling case of abuse
chilling
2 of 2present participle of chill entry 3
Examples of chilling in a Sentence
Adjective
a Southern visitor who was unused to the chilling air of a Northeast winter
Recent Examples on the Web
Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
The lawsuit by the city and state says the campaign had a chilling effect, making residents afraid to leave home or use public services.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 12 Jan. 2026
Sonya Huber, 54, of Stratford, said the incident sent a chilling message to communities already feeling vulnerable.
—Reginald David, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
Threatening retirees’ ranks and pensions, which took a lifetime to earn, has a chilling effect.
—Michael Szalma, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chilling
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Adjective
The probe sends a chilling message to Powell – and to whomever might next lead the Fed.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
The lawsuit by the city and state says the campaign had a chilling effect, making residents afraid to leave home or use public services.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 12 Jan. 2026
Sonya Huber, 54, of Stratford, said the incident sent a chilling message to communities already feeling vulnerable.
—Reginald David, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
Threatening retirees’ ranks and pensions, which took a lifetime to earn, has a chilling effect.
—Michael Szalma, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Cite this Entry
“Chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chilling. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
chilling
adjective
chill·ing
ˈchil-iŋ 
: very disturbing or frightening
a chilling case of abuse
chillingly
adverb
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