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 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
  • For Bertram, whose family winery has roots deep in the terraced vineyards of the valley, the night was a blur of frantic decisions and terrifying uncertainty.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • But this is still grand blockbuster filmmaking: The scene where bombs explode across Gotham is as memorable and terrifying as anything in the series.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The great outdoors can be a big and frightening place, especially for cats who have only seen it from the safety of the great indoors.
    Joan Morris, Mercury News, 7 July 2025
  • Moreover, if their environment is unpredictable, frightening, or volatile, some children learn that any disagreement could lead to danger and try to bury their feelings to avoid conflict and maintain a sense of peace.
    Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • The filmmakers used the sounds of babies crying to make a scary noise In the film, the bad people go to a bad afterlife, and they’re taken there by creepy, inky shadow things.
    Drew Mackie, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • He’s got that leading-man energy that, for that part, was just super-fun, this very scary, almost James Bond villain, or Mission: Impossible.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • In short, because the Ukrainians have put up a formidable defense.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 July 2025
  • Williams, 62, previously headed Apple's formidable operations division, which is in charge of manufacturing millions of complicated devices like iPhones, while keeping costs down.
    Kif Leswing, CNBC, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Getting your car stolen is a horrible experience, but there are ways to deter theft and steps to follow if your vehicle is stolen.
    Charles Singh, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025
  • Too Much follows Megan Stalter as Jessica, a producer who's just been broken up with by her horrible ex-boyfriend.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Vegas bounced back from a terrible loss to the Fever with an 86-68 win over the Sun on Sunday.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • And because of that, it’s shielded us from the terrible things that happen downstream in the supply chain.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spine-chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spine-chilling. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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