spine-chilling

adjective

ˈspīn-ˌchi-liŋ How to pronounce spine-chilling (audio)
Definition of spine-chillingnext
as in terrifying
causing fear the soldiers let out a spine-chilling yell just before charging the enemy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 See All Example Sentences for spine-chilling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spine-chilling
  1. terrifying
  2. frightening
  3. scary
  4. formidable
  5. horrible
  6. terrible
Adjective
  • The monsters when finally shown in the light are more shrug worthy than creepy or terrifying.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The great slope of Mulholland’s concrete gravity dam in the Hollywood Hills — a model for the one that failed — was covered with dirt to disguise its terrifying height.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • And what is perhaps most frightening, in those despondent moments that inevitably follow the exhilarating rush, is the realization that this enveloping abyss retains the imprint of our actions.
    — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The video quickly sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many viewers expressing relief that the ride's safety restraints appeared to do their job despite the frightening ordeal.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • No prominent leader has explained what governments will do when the scariest AI capabilities are diffused around the world and become accessible to criminals and terrorists.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Universal’s annual Halloween Horror Nights is looking like an even scarier place to have a nice daaaate.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of scary
Adjective
  • Webber seemed the perfect fit for Golden State and Nelson, and a bigger, more athletic Warriors team seemed to have a more formidable Big Three in Webber, Owens and second-year guard Latrell Sprewell, with Mullin still on hand as well.
    — Carl Steward, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Leykin, 19, is a formidable challenger, placing in the top five on four apparatuses.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • After years of seeing enough photos of fabulous wealth and horrible tragedy, these types of images cease to shock us.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But the horrible jobs data suggests the central bank may have to think about weakening consumer spending as well.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • The delta between the disability from these diseases and the amount of funding and research being done on them is terrible.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • And forty per cent was about how great Modi is and how terrible the opposition is.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrible

Browse Nearby Words

spine
spine-chilling
spineless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spine-chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spine-chilling. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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