bone-chilling

adjective

ˈbōn-ˌchi-liŋ How to pronounce bone-chilling (audio)
Definition of bone-chillingnext
as in frigid
having a low or subnormal temperature we stood in line for hours in the bone-chilling weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bone-chilling But her vitals are strong and there’s startling force in her unpredictable convulsions and bone-chilling noises. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026 The Best Actor category, in particular, has honored a wide variety of performance types, from bone-chilling turns like Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs (1991) to heroic tributes to human decency like Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). — Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026 On our final push back to the lodge, the weather’s mood shifts again, and we’re battered by bone-chilling wind. — Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2026 During the last week of January, an arctic blast hit Texas, bringing ice and bone-chilling temperatures. — Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bone-chilling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bone-chilling
  1. frigid
  2. icy
  3. cold
  4. chilly
  5. freezing
  6. chill
  7. cool
Adjective
  • Roq Innovation Raquel Graham dreamed up NEKZ, a scarf alternative, when her children resisted wearing them during Chicago’s frigid winters.
    — Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • There are infrared heaters under the seating areas to keep fans comfortable in the frigid Buffalo winters.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • Perseid shooting stars appear as Earth enters the debris trail cast off by the icy comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The Arctic, often seen as merely a remote, icy landscape, actually plays a central role in regulating the planet’s climate.
    — Daniel Peck, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • Health benefits Peppermint oil is widely used as pain relief, digestive aid and cold relief.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Eldridge’s home run, a solo shot, was the latest exhibition of his game-changing power, an opposite-field, 423-foot blast that cleared the left-center field fence on a cold San Francisco (50-70) night with feet to spare.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • As spring rolls into Idaho every year, the snow starts to melt and the chilly water flows down the mountains through soil and streams.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The breathable fabric and flexible styling means the skirt will be a no-brainer to reach for during the remaining hot days of summer as well as chilly fall nights.
    — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of chilly
Adjective
  • The freezing-water memories apparently became something of a theme for the franchise.
    — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Elective egg freezing was considered experimental until about 2013, when freezing techniques improved.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • Older age statements, barrel-strength bottlings, non-chill filtration, single barrels, micro-batches and distinctive packaging led to sustained success in export markets like Japan and Europe.
    — Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Make sure to choose an apple variety suited to your climate, as apples also need a certain number of chill hours to make fruit.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026
Definition of chill
Adjective
  • The Broderie Anglaise With a Transitional Jacket With fall’s cool breezes on the horizon, a transitional suede jacket brings depth—and texture—to everyone’s favorite nightie dress from Dôen.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • But the fans have treated me so well here, and to hear people cheering for that is cool.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of cool

Browse Nearby Words

bone
bone-chilling
boned
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Cite this Entry

“Bone-chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bone-chilling. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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