as in chilly
uncomfortably cool
a Southern visitor who was unused to the chilling air of a Northeast winter
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in freezing
to cause to lose heat
chill the gelatin for two hours, until it sets
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2
as in relaxing
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
you want to hang out with us and just chill this weekend?
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3
as in discouraging
to lessen the courage or confidence of
investors chilled by the floundering economy
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4
as in lounging
to spend time doing nothing
instead of going out tonight, let's stay in and chill
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chilling
Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
His plots have a chilling authenticity due to his meticulous research and sense of place.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 25 Mar. 2026
In fact, he’s been chilling with the Red Dancer emoji.
—Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Adjective
In chilling videos from the sentencing, Alyssa — who has an undisclosed mental illness, according to her defense attorney — was seen smiling at the judge and nodding toward her attorneys.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
His plots have a chilling authenticity due to his meticulous research and sense of place.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
At about midday Tuesday, the Puerto Vallarta resident posted an image of a plastic tub with what appeared to be a pinto spiny lobster chilling inside.
—Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 25 Mar. 2026
In fact, he’s been chilling with the Red Dancer emoji.
—Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chilling
Adjective
-
Plan on a chilly morning and pleasant afternoon on Sunday.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
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With the arrival of Te Arai Links, the era of sleeping bags and chilly bins has given way to an intentional kind of luxury—one that suggests this wild coastline was always ready for world-class attention.—
Amy Louise Bailey,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The xenon flash does a better job of freezing motion when compared with an LED.—
Jim Fisher,
PC Magazine,
14 Apr. 2026
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Another necessity is more adaptive insurance that can price in novel risks without completely freezing up, as has happened in the strait.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Some of the showers come with aromatherapy pods that can be attached to the nozzles, for a relaxing sensory experience.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
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The bill currently proposes relaxing pesticide labeling rules and the potential preemption of states suing big agrochemical companies in cases related to carcinogenic paraquat and glyphosate.—
Thomas Heaton,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Long-term security and stability are needed right now Friday's inflation report wasn't the only discouraging economic news as of late.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
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Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof solution for discouraging squirrels from enjoying a free meal at your expense.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Jonathan is standing over Coach, who is lounging in a hammock like a bruised banana that is too good to touch the counter.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
9 Apr. 2026
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A lot of lounging happens in that first year, and this comfy cotton crewneck sweatshirt is the perfect gift for the occasion.—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Reading the book was like hanging out with a good friend who is smart, weird, chill, funny, and real.—
Emma Alpern,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
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An airport spokesperson told Pulse Tasmania that the uninvited guest was remarkably chill about the whole situation.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After 100 heating–cooling cycles, its performance barely changed.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Apr. 2026
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Warming up with light movement, such as walking or dynamic stretching, before a workout as well as cooling down afterward can help prepare muscles, improve flexibility and reduce soreness.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Mack and the Chargers’ defense pressured quarterbacks Jalen Hurts of the Eagles and Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, frustrating them and keeping them out of their comfort zones.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
20 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chilling. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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