Synonyms of spine-chilling

spine-chilling

adjective

ˈspīn-ˌchi-liŋ 

as in terrifying

causing fear

the soldiers let out a spine-chilling yell just before charging the enemy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• terrifying
• frightening
• scary
• formidable
• horrible
• terrible
• intimidating
• alarming
• dread
• shocking
• horrifying
• eerie
• fearful
• startling
• creepy
• dreadful
• frightful
• ghastly
• gruesome
• hair-raising
• fearsome
• forbidding
• horrendous
• disturbing
• dire
• redoubtable
• direful
• troubling
• unnerving
• trying
• threatening
• disconcerting
• disquieting
• daunting
• discouraging
• perturbing
• demoralizing
• bone-chilling
• distressing
• hideous
• grisly
• macabre
• dismaying
• weird
• nightmarish
• appalling
• monstrous
• horrid
• awful
• atrocious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassuring
• comforting
• soothing
• relaxing
• calming
• inviting
• consoling
• tranquilizing
• nonthreatening
• quieting
• lulling
• pacifying
• nonintimidating

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of spine-chilling

In the three years since the war started, locals have gotten used to the spine-chilling sound of the sirens and mostly ignore it. — IEEE Spectrum, 18 May 2025

But rather than dilute the scare factor, the humor makes the sense of doom only more pitiless and Orlok’s plans for Ellen more spine-chilling. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Dec. 2024

This complex dress featured a mannequin-like attachment on the back, making for the ultimate spine-chilling moment. — Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 25 Jan. 2024

Her phrasing and breath control of the most difficult passages seemed effortless, and her high notes were spine-chilling. — Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2023