as in chilly
uncomfortably cool
a Southern visitor who was unused to the chilling air of a Northeast winter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in freezing
to cause to lose heat
chill the gelatin for two hours, until it sets
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in relaxing
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
you want to hang out with us and just chill this weekend?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in discouraging
to lessen the courage or confidence of
investors chilled by the floundering economy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in lounging
to spend time doing nothing
instead of going out tonight, let's stay in and chill
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 chilling
Nicole Briese, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025
This chilling statistic is a powerful reminder that no one—not even your partner—has the right to control your body or your autonomy.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Especially for this Chihuahua-mix. Life after retirement After a long and illustrious career, both Chevy and Leica are looking forward to chilling and relaxing during their retirement, their handlers said.
—Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
Doyle and other monitors credit the drop in part to the chilling effect of the Justice Department’s post-Jan. 6 crackdown on anti-government and white supremacist movements.
—Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Adjective
In honor of the movie celebrating its 15th release anniversary on Feb. 19, here's everything to know about the psychological thriller and what that chilling final line signified about the main character’s sanity.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025
This chilling statistic is a powerful reminder that no one—not even your partner—has the right to control your body or your autonomy.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Especially for this Chihuahua-mix. Life after retirement After a long and illustrious career, both Chevy and Leica are looking forward to chilling and relaxing during their retirement, their handlers said.
—Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
Doyle and other monitors credit the drop in part to the chilling effect of the Justice Department’s post-Jan. 6 crackdown on anti-government and white supremacist movements.
—Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chilling
Adjective
-
During the colder months, that uniform relies on a lightweight jacket to keep me comfortable on chilly LA mornings.—
Rachel Trujillo,
People.com,
25 Feb. 2025
-
On West 57th Avenue in Olde Town Arvada, a handful of people with backpacks and belongings gathered in front of the library and soaked in the sun on a recent chilly morning, including one accompanied by a small dog wearing a sporty green jacket.—
John Aguilar,
The Denver Post,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
And so is the scandal that OT is apparently being funneled, not to crime fighting and hardworking cops freezing their behinds off patrolling the streets and subways, but to paperpushers like Epps with cushy jobs back at 1 Police Plaza.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Temperatures dropped over the weekend to highs below freezing near BWI Marshall Airport — Monday was expected to reach a high of 33 with sunny skies after a blisteringly cold 16-degree low overnight.—
Dan Belson,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
In , the small cat curiously edged toward the new canine friend, who was relaxing on the couch, gently patting him with her paw and sniffing.—
Alice Gibbs,
Newsweek,
26 Dec. 2024
-
And to add to the messy situation, conflicting media reports suggest the company either is or is not relaxing its hardware hurdle for taking.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Indoor humidity levels are low in winter, and a room humidifier can help plants avoid stress while discouraging pests like spider mites.—
Miri Talabac,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Jan. 2025
-
The administration's actions are seen as expanding federal control and discouraging state innovation in healthcare programs.—
Steve Brozak,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The course proved to be a scenic one, as Connor also encountered some local wildlife, including a crocodile lounging by the water at the 13th hole and two antelopes locked in a playful antler battle near a sand trap.—
Kevin Lynn,
Newsweek,
8 Jan. 2025
-
There is also time for lounging on the Pink Beach.—
Bianca Salonga,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But while the vibe of your home gym might be chill, your programming shouldn’t be—and research shows that any well-rounded workout routine should include weight training.—
Erin Bunch,
SELF,
13 Feb. 2025
-
Glad someone can be chill when a foot is getting degloved!—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Changing the direction of ceiling fans can help reduce heating costs in winter and lower cooling costs in summer.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
4 Jan. 2025
-
Meanwhile, the white dwarf, a stellar remnant that has burned through its fuel, is steadily cooling.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
During the winter months, your lawn is either growing slowly or resting in dormancy, depending on the climate in your region.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2025
-
Place the terracotta pot upside down over the tea lights, resting on the bricks.—
Cody Godwin,
USA TODAY,
7 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chilling. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share