1
as in freezes
to cause to lose heat
chill the gelatin for two hours, until it sets
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in relaxes
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
you want to hang out with us and just chill this weekend?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in discourages
to lessen the courage or confidence of
investors chilled by the floundering economy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in bums
to spend time doing nothing
instead of going out tonight, let's stay in and chill
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 chills
When enforcement activity impedes the rights to assemble, document and criticize government action, that chills those rights, and the consequences extend beyond any single demonstration.
—
Yohuru Williams, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Apartments in the capital are freezing, and when venturing outside people wear heavy layers of clothes against the bitter cold that chills to the bone.
—Vasilisa Stepanenko, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Winds chills in the mountains could hit 0 to minus 10 degrees, the NWS says.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 12 Dec. 2025
When that happens, Arctic air chills temperatures in other regions.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Dec. 2025
Once the dough chills in the fridge for at least an hour, the cookies bake in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes (slightly longer for the first batch).
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025
While the dough chills, heat oven to 375 degrees.
—CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025
The smokeless Summit Fire Pit will keep you toasty warm without the burn, while the Windchill cooler chills your drinks and…you?
—Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025
Challengers, including conservative advocacy groups, argue the law unconstitutionally chills political speech and participation.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Yohuru Williams, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Apartments in the capital are freezing, and when venturing outside people wear heavy layers of clothes against the bitter cold that chills to the bone.
—Vasilisa Stepanenko, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Winds chills in the mountains could hit 0 to minus 10 degrees, the NWS says.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 12 Dec. 2025
When that happens, Arctic air chills temperatures in other regions.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Dec. 2025
Once the dough chills in the fridge for at least an hour, the cookies bake in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes (slightly longer for the first batch).
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025
While the dough chills, heat oven to 375 degrees.
—CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025
The smokeless Summit Fire Pit will keep you toasty warm without the burn, while the Windchill cooler chills your drinks and…you?
—Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025
Challengers, including conservative advocacy groups, argue the law unconstitutionally chills political speech and participation.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chills
Verb
-
In the winter, water that seeps into pavement cracks freezes and expands underground, acting like a wedge.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The House voted 86-5 to pass House File 2242, which freezes tuition at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa through July 1, 2031.—
Stephen Gruber-Miller,
Des Moines Register,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Rising Star in Beverly Hills Gable relaxes on the veranda of his new Beverly Hills rental home in this 1931 photo, which accompanied an article in Screenland magazine.—
Katie Schultz,
Architectural Digest,
24 Feb. 2026
-
In the clip, Megan relaxes on a hotel bed wearing a long, bombshell-blonde wig in the most divine blend of honeyed shades, styled in lush, loose waves by her hairstylist Kellon Deryck.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The city discourages trespassing on private property.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The system discourages early adoption.—
William Warr,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Then Jason and Thor shower together, each lathering the other’s back and bums up with fewer orgasms than an old Herbal Essences commercial.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The cranky and irritating backseat driver, who bums a lift midway through the Griswolds' adventure, also has with her the easily excitable pooch Dinky.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Early next week starts warm before another system cools us into the 30s midweek.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
This process keeps you dry during rigorous activities and cools you down.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Tennessee law, the judge explained, thus still frustrates a core goal of the CEA—uniform regulation of the derivatives market.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Attending the esports-style SCC in London, The Athletic saw exactly how Nakamura frustrates some chess fans but helps make new ones.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As your car idles, warm air blown from the top of your dashboard will melt the ice on the outside of the windshield.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
27 Dec. 2025
-
Security camera footage shows a black vehicle park in front of Café Bernardo, a restaurant, and idles for about two minutes.—
Madisen Keavy,
CBS News,
17 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Springtime strolls in these cities are simply unparalleled, thanks to their botanical splendor.—
Jessica Sulima,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Nowadays, on Sunday mornings on the trail, Talarico often attends a local church and strolls around happily, eying the pulpit like a home buyer trying a listing on for size.—
Tad Friend,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chills.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chills. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
