as in terrifying
causing fear
the soldiers let out a spine-chilling yell just before charging the enemy
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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
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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Tran swears that having a physical manifestation to interact with is why the terrifying sequences work.—
Simon Thompson,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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But actually just look at it and go, look, this is really, really scary and terrifying.—
Emily Maddick,
Glamour,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While studying a rare species whose mating call appears to be the frightening shrieks the team has been hearing in the woods, the pair hired Kodiak (McHale) as their guide.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
21 Mar. 2025
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Granted that a 1 degree Celsius change in world average temperature can translate into a 4-degree Celsius increase in some of the most climate precarious countries, this last scenario is frightening.—
Mike O'Sullivan,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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There’s a lot to love with Tuten and his ceiling is super high, but the floor is extremely scary because of his fumbles.—
Steve Bradshaw,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
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The incident was so scary that cameras didn't show Goldsmith on the ice being tended by trainers.—
Ryan Canfield,
Fox News,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Although generally painted as having underperformed in Ukraine, Russia's air force would still be formidable.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
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The biggest, most formidable shark to have ever roamed the ocean may have been even larger than previously thought, according to a new study.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA TODAY,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The tech giant had a horrible week, off nearly 11% in the period despite Friday’s relief bounce.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
14 Mar. 2025
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This is really happening and these horrible things are happening and that this person doesn't want to be happening.—
Patrick Gomez,
EW.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Since then, however, Wells Fargo has pulled back roughly 18%, as of the close on Monday, which continued a terrible recent stretch for the overall market due to economic uncertainty stemming from concern about the impact of President Donald Trump ‘s tariffs.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2025
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The New York Yankees received terrible news on Monday regarding Gerrit Cole's injury.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spine-chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spine-chilling. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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