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
  • Then there is Chicago Bears fans, who pack the old, outdated Soldier Field, even in frigid temperatures, to watch a their team, despite years of futility.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Travis wound up in frigid Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • By contrast, cool blondes feature ash, pearl, or icy tones for a cleaner, brighter look.
    — Emma-Jade Stoddart, Glamour, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The cancellation of this upgrade has implications for some of the European Space Agency’s science missions, including a probe to Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • The Port of Los Angeles forklift driver was wearing a life vest and was floating away, out to sea -- cold, worried about sharks and drowning.
    — Michele Gile, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In the last week, the park has experienced harsh winds and cold temperatures overnight.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • Jackson had a prime seat at Davis’ A&R meetings, which were notoriously chilly, loud, and, yes, long.
    — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Hiddenseer Winterbock — World’s Best Bock Germany’s Hiddenseer snagged the World’s Best Bock title with Winterbock, a rich, strong lager tailor-made for chilly nights.
    — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 21 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
  • Judd’s furniture asks you to admire it; Heilmann’s asks you to sit down and chill.
    — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of chill
Adjective
  • In total, the treasure trove, along with other musical items that are part of Music Memorabilia Live Auction, is expected to fetch a cool $4 million.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The overnight lows will fall to the low and mid-60s, making for noticeably cooler nights.
    — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 23 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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