spine-chilling

adjective

spine-chill·​ing ˈspīn-ˌchi-liŋ 

: alarmingly or eerily frightening

Synonyms of spine-chilling

• terrifying
• frightening
• scary
• formidable
• horrible
• terrible

Examples of spine-chilling in a Sentence

the soldiers let out a spine-chilling yell just before charging the enemy

Recent Examples on the Web

And a sequel has already been announced with Kirsten Dunst joining the spine-chilling story. — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

Neither is well-received, which Dippold says is its own brand of spine-chilling nightmare. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 27 May 2026

Eloise Asylum in Westland is part history, part entertainment and all spine-chilling. — Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 8 Oct. 2025

Experience spine-chilling thrills in Scare Zones and the all-new maze Order of the Dragon. — Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spine-chilling

• backfilling
• distilling
• fulfilling
• infilling
• instilling
• refilling
• sawmilling
• unwilling
• billing
• chilling
• drilling
• filling