Synonyms for

Chilling

Verb / ˈtʃɪlɪŋ / Another word for chilling — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

adjective - causing a feeling of coldness or fear; noun - the act of relaxing or spending time in a lazy way.

Synonyms & similar words

shivery heat cooling scarey chill temperaturereduction scary cooldown cool shuddery cold freezing frosty icy wintry terrifying frightening scary spine-chilling hair-raising relaxing unwinding decompressing lazing loafing resting unwinding reposing

Synonyms by register

Formal

disturbing unsettling alarming disquieting

Informal

creepy spooky scary eerie

Literary

gelid frigid icy

Antonyms

warming comforting heartening encouraging reassuring invigorating

Common collocations

  • chilling effect
  • chilling news
  • chilling story
  • chilling atmosphere
  • chilling reminder
  • chilling experience
  • chilling truth

Word family

noun chill
verb chill
adjective chilling
adverb chillingly

Usage note

Primarily used to describe something that causes fear or dread, often in a psychological or emotional sense rather than a literal cold one. It can also describe a literal coldness that is unpleasant.

Example sentences

  1. The chilling air made me put on a sweater.
  2. She watched a chilling horror movie before bed and had trouble sleeping.
  3. After a long day, I like to spend some time chilling with my friends.
  4. I find the idea of skydiving chilling.
  5. The chilling sound of footsteps in the dark hallway made her heart race.

Quotes

  • I was chilled to the bone by the ghostly apparitions in the haunted house.
  • The chilling effect of the icy wind made me pull my jacket tighter around me.
  • The chilling music in the horror movie added to the suspense.

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