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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
While Hurricane Hunters have snapped plenty of chilling shots from inside the eye of Melissa, this one had a much higher vantage point.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
The episode came to an end with Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) watching the flames engulf the building — a chilling parallel to the scene in season 13, during which showed her watch the hospital burn from the parking lot as well.
—Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Adjective
Now, chilling video released by authorities shows Martin taking the couple’s children to McDonald’s after the murder.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
While Hurricane Hunters have snapped plenty of chilling shots from inside the eye of Melissa, this one had a much higher vantage point.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
Twenty-three years ago in Berkeley, members of Americana noir band Loretta Lynch launched the annual Murder Ballads Bash, a showcase of artists across musical genres, each playing one bone-chilling tune.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
The episode came to an end with Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) watching the flames engulf the building — a chilling parallel to the scene in season 13, during which showed her watch the hospital burn from the parking lot as well.
—Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chilling
Adjective
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The high Arctic is home to an array of breathtaking sights, unique wildlife, and remarkable terrain that can only be experienced by traveling to the chilly region, and Atlas Ocean Voyages wants to take you there in style.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
30 Oct. 2025
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Temperatures will stay chilly over the weekend, reaching around 50 degrees on Saturday and 56 degrees on Sunday.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This cozy shawl is my carry-on security blanket—soft, lightweight, and big enough to use on a plane when freezing.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Oct. 2025
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Root crops usually withstand a few light frosts and potentially a short period of freezing weather, but they should always be harvested before the ground freezes.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Use planters, string lights, lanterns, and pillows to add extra color and texture to your relaxing outdoor space.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Oct. 2025
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Magnesium supports sleep by relaxing muscles and calming the nervous system, whereas melatonin primarily helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.—
Megan Nunn,
Verywell Health,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The initiative also coincides with the $100,000 H-1B application fee, introduced September 21, two days after the DOL announcement—a White House move aimed at discouraging bulk filings by staffing and outsourcing firms.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
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After possibly allowing the opening touchdown to Browns tight end Harold Fannin, Spillane was everywhere; diagnosing run plays, discouraging throws and snagging an interception in the second half.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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With sizes ranging from 0 to 20 and four different inseam options (19, 23, 25, and 28 inches), these lightweight and sweat-wicking leggings are perfect for everything from lounging to long workouts, with plenty of space to keep your essentials in easy reach.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
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The extra-wide, contoured seat and tall backrest make lounging effortless, while the 450-pound weight capacity adds peace of mind.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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How To Prune Blueberry Bushes Blueberries need a number of chill hours below 45ºF during dormancy to prompt new growth and flower development for next season.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
26 Oct. 2025
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Per Deadline, the show will be set in 1991, a totally chill time to be a cop in Los Angeles.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Ice Therapy Ice therapy involves cooling the painful area of your back.—
RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan,
Health,
25 Oct. 2025
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Keep scrolling for more cooling comforters.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Florida’s final moments against Georgia were fitting for a fireside horror story — that which fans will tell years from now, recounting to their grandchildren the dark ages of this resting college football power.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
2 Nov. 2025
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They were dealt around the table, open beers resting without coasters, with the Blue Jays down two games in the ALCS.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chilling. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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