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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in discouraging
to lessen the courage or confidence of
investors chilled by the floundering economy
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Joey Safchick, NBC news, 16 June 2025
This marks a chilling precedent for Iran's leadership.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2025
The opening chords of the horror are chilling, and by the end it’s all crescendoed into a symphony of pain, survival, and heart.
—Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 8 June 2025
Foreign governments often rely on the chilling effect accomplished by coming down hard on a few companies using any of the tactics mentioned above and making sure the others get the message.
—Schuyler Moore, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Adjective
The video is particularly chilling for James Seddon, a 21-year Navy veteran who served in Afghanistan and works with #AfghanEvac to legally resettle those who aided the U.S. during its longest war.
—Joey Safchick, NBC news, 16 June 2025
This marks a chilling precedent for Iran's leadership.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2025
The opening chords of the horror are chilling, and by the end it’s all crescendoed into a symphony of pain, survival, and heart.
—Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 8 June 2025
Foreign governments often rely on the chilling effect accomplished by coming down hard on a few companies using any of the tactics mentioned above and making sure the others get the message.
—Schuyler Moore, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chilling
Adjective
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While the rail cars can get pretty chilly, the train station is usually sweltering—that’s where this Spanx set comes in.—
Jessica Kasparian,
SELF,
25 June 2025
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Outside, there’s a covered limestone dining terrace with overhead heat lamps for taking the nip off chilly nights and a lounge area for watching TV.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
24 June 2025
Verb
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Birth tissue-products are stored at below freezing temperatures to retain their viability and effectiveness and are also shipped in special containers.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2025
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She was heavily criticized for being out of the country when the fire exploded amid dire wind warnings and for freezing up when confronted by press about her absence.—
Julia Wick,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In , the small cat curiously edged toward the new canine friend, who was relaxing on the couch, gently patting him with her paw and sniffing.—
Alice Gibbs,
Newsweek,
26 Dec. 2024
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And to add to the messy situation, conflicting media reports suggest the company either is or is not relaxing its hardware hurdle for taking.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Good air circulation will allow leaves and stems to dry out, discouraging disease.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Apr. 2025
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Actions by officials in the two countries are also discouraging Canadian tourists from looking south.—
Skyler Swisher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Those include a sitting area off the primary bedroom, a dining table on the narrow part of the deck, a patio outfitted for entertaining, and multiple options for lounging by the pool.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2025
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The Modern Family alum could be seen lounging while wearing black bikini bottoms and holding a product from her Toty suncare brand.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With nail trends being so chill over the last year or two—who knew nude nails would be so hot for so long?—those of us who were once confident DIYing our nail art may feel a bit out of practice these days.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
3 June 2025
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Compared to the other breakups in the house, Ciara and West are almost chill.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Changing the direction of ceiling fans can help reduce heating costs in winter and lower cooling costs in summer.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
4 Jan. 2025
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Turn the cakes out onto cooling racks.—
The Enquirer,
The Enquirer,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Place the terracotta pot upside down over the tea lights, resting on the bricks.—
Cody Godwin,
USA TODAY,
7 Jan. 2025
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With this new year, consider planning some fresh ways to cater to your creativity—and lean in to the importance of resting.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chilling. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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