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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spine-chilling
Neither is well-received, which Dippold says is its own brand of spine-chilling nightmare.
—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
27 May 2026
Eloise Asylum in Westland is part history, part entertainment and all spine-chilling.
—
Nour Rahal,
Freep.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Experience spine-chilling thrills in Scare Zones and the all-new maze Order of the Dragon.
—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
28 Sep. 2025
Set in a fictional town wrapped in mystery and spine-chilling traditions, Mandala Murders is a blend of mythology and crime thriller genres.
—
Sweta Kaushal,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
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
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
27 May 2026
Eloise Asylum in Westland is part history, part entertainment and all spine-chilling.
—
Nour Rahal,
Freep.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Experience spine-chilling thrills in Scare Zones and the all-new maze Order of the Dragon.
—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
28 Sep. 2025
Set in a fictional town wrapped in mystery and spine-chilling traditions, Mandala Murders is a blend of mythology and crime thriller genres.
—
Sweta Kaushal,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spine-chilling
Adjective
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The full extent of the casualties and damage may not be clear for many hours, but reports and videos show extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure across the country as residents face a terrifying night in the streets.
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Then the assailant turns to face the camera; but inside a hoodie, the face is no face, just a terrifying horror movie mask.
Adjective
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The hypocrisy is stunning, and frightening.
-
Yes, the Scots played poorly, but Brazil’s brilliant roster of attacking talent capitalized on mistakes with frightening efficiency.
Adjective
-
Authorities say the scary situation happened at the end of a ride on May 10.
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As a child life specialist, Hartz’s job is to make the hospital experience less scary.
Adjective
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The Scottish lawyer was one of the smartest, most formidable specialists in the luxury business, with a reputation that carried internationally and a vast roll call of clients.
-
With five volumes of his Noise Kandy series, to solo and collaborative albums (KISS THE RING, Kontraband, Trainspotting), the Griselda affiliate has cemented his status as one of today’s most formidable spitters.
Adjective
-
The Red Sox offense has been horrible this season, but Contreras has been everything the club could have hoped for.
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Your cab driver is taking you on a horrible route.
Adjective
-
The production quality was terrible.
-
But in May of 1943, a terrible fire burned his studio to the ground.
Cite this Entry
“Spine-chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spine-chilling. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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