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

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

In the three years since the war started, locals have gotten used to the spine-chilling sound of the sirens and mostly ignore it. — IEEE Spectrum, 18 May 2025

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

This complex dress featured a mannequin-like attachment on the back, making for the ultimate spine-chilling moment. — Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 25 Jan. 2024

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