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
  • Set thousands of years in the future, the Blight has wiped out most of civilization, and while the name sounds gruesome and terrifying, the Blight itself is verdant and filled with flowers.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The trailer shows Depp as Scrooge tormented by the terrifying spirits of Christmas, haunting him throughout the Christmas season.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 23 July 2026
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • His solution was to ride at a frightening pace from the outset of stages, hoping to shed his rival from his back wheel — an approach that rewarded him with king of the mountains points throughout the Tour’s final week.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • The most frightening scenario to many officials on both sides of the border is that the United States might use Rocha’s case as a pretext to strike Mexico.
    — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • The Bang Bang Gang shifted momentum, but sent Clark Connors crashing onto the steel steps in a legitimately scary spot.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Video footage obtained by PEOPLE shows the scary moment the slingshot-style ride malfunctioned as one of the wires that attaches to the car appears to abruptly snap off.
    — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
Definition of scary
Adjective
  • Ulf has Silverwing and Hugh rides Vermithor, both formidable beasts.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The three formed a formidable frontcourt that could score, pass and defend.
    — Rob Peterson, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • The Badgers have had horrible injury luck, which has led to bad QB play the past few years.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • Aemond raves about his horrible older brother who spent their youth tormenting him.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • Why do some people stay in terrible, horrible, no good, very bad jobs?
    — Joseph Kim, NPR, 22 July 2026
  • Three years ago, Victor Wembanyama was terrible, and Houston’s Cam Whitmore won Summer MVP.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 22 July 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 28 Jul. 2026.

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