chthonic

adjective

variants also chthonian
Definition of chthonicnext
as in infernal

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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 chthonic Greek myths feature dozens of chthonic divinities and forces. — Lewis Hyde, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025 But Lloyd is less interested in the specifics of either work than in the chthonic rage underneath. — Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024 And no one suffers quite like the True Believer; surrendering to optimism is an invitation for chthonic forces to start doling out a whole lot of emotional rump puntings. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Aug. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chthonic
  1. infernal
  2. hellish
  3. sulfurous
  4. earthly
  5. plutonian
Adjective
  • Four years later in Italy, the waterworks went again, as those infernal penalty kicks tripped us up against West Germany in the semifinal.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
  • Linda Cardellini offers up a killer breakdown to the roaring chorus of the lawn guy’s infernal leaf blower.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of infernal
Adjective
  • In the new film, the Necronomicon — aka the Book of the Dead — creates a hellish nightmare for a widow, Alice (Souheila Yacoub), and her in-laws following the tragic death of Alice’s husband, Will (George Pullar).
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • It’s been a hellish week across South Florida.
    — Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
Definition of hellish
Adjective
  • These might be mineral water showers or baths, cold-water enemas, or just drinking 3 glasses of stinky, sulfurous spring water daily before breakfast, while strolling and engaging in pleasant conversation on a landscaped promenade.
    — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 9 July 2026
  • Some say sulfurous and phenolic, others say straight-up skunky.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Definition of sulfurous
Adjective
  • The actual viewing success will depend more on earthly considerations, however, including cloud cover and the extent of light pollution.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 6 July 2026
  • Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic for 37 years out of its 47-year history, is regarded by many supporters as the earthly representative of the Hidden Imam, the 12th imam who, according to Shi’ite belief, disappeared in the ninth century.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 3 July 2026
Definition of earthly
Adjective
  • The morning of April 1, 1976, Moore announced on a BBC radio station that at 9:47 am, Pluto would pass behind Jupiter, creating the Jovian-Plutonian Gravitational Effect.
    — National Geographic, National Geographic, 31 Mar. 2016
  • His most recent discoveries, the two tiny Plutonian satellites, were named with the help of a popular vote.
    — Nadia Drake, WIRED, 15 July 2013
Definition of plutonian

Browse Nearby Words

chronometers
chthonic
chubbiness
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Cite this Entry

“Chthonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chthonic. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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