as in chilly
uncomfortably cool
a Southern visitor who was unused to the chilling air of a Northeast winter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chilling
News Desk, Artforum, 2 Mar. 2026
Not a star in the chilling sky.
—David Baker, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Alana Wise, NPR, 20 Feb. 2026
The sky hung low and gray that morning, and the bone-chilling cold and snow felt like an initiation to the Bold North.
—Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Adjective
Trump administration policies of the past year have had a chilling effect on international enrollment at higher learning institutions across the country.
—News Desk, Artforum, 2 Mar. 2026
Not a star in the chilling sky.
—David Baker, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
So, for me, knitting is a great way to be completely relaxed, off my feet, and just chilling without just looking at my phone all the time.
—Alana Wise, NPR, 20 Feb. 2026
The sky hung low and gray that morning, and the bone-chilling cold and snow felt like an initiation to the Bold North.
—Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chilling
Adjective
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The solid side features side-seam pockets that are perfect for keeping your hands warm on chilly days, while the tartan side features flap pockets to keep your phone, earbuds, and other small valuables secure.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Mar. 2026
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Ahead of the chilly weather, conditions will be warm and sunny on Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, according to the National Weather Service Fort Worth.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After the interview, another guard arrived to lead the way back off to the barren, freezing parking lot in Queens.—
Maer Roshan,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
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Land O'Lakes recommends freezing sticks in their original carton.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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High Heel Jungle socks combine luxury comfort with performance features designed for both active and relaxing moments.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
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The best lounge sets work for more than just relaxing around the house.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Acknowledge that the disappointment from losing is real—but that feeling is a normal part of all types of play and shouldn't be discouraging.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
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Some Fed officials have specifically argued that last year’s weak hiring shows that borrowing costs are weighing on growth and discouraging companies from expanding.—
Matt Ott,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Versatile, breezy dresses are the ultimate suitcase staple, taking you from sandy strolls and poolside lounging to ocean view dinners without missing a beat.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Mar. 2026
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The longstanding vacation spot basks in 343 sunny days a year, perfect for lounging on white-quartz sands or marveling at nature both above and below the water.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Varieties of Blueberries Blueberry varieties differ in terms of how many chill hours (the number of hours in wintertime when your temperature is at or below 45°F) are needed to produce fruit, as well as the plant’s heat tolerance.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
12 Mar. 2026
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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,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This cooling rollerball feels like coffee for your face.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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Emergency planners expanded cooling resources along the route, adding misting stations, ice supplies and additional medical support to help runners facing rising temperatures.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
8 Mar. 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 14 Mar. 2026.
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