as in chilly
uncomfortably cool
a Southern visitor who was unused to the chilling air of a Northeast winter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in freezing
to cause to lose heat
chill the gelatin for two hours, until it sets
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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?
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in discouraging
to lessen the courage or confidence of
investors chilled by the floundering economy
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in lounging
to spend time doing nothing
instead of going out tonight, let's stay in and chill
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chilling
Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026
Threats from Iran to strike cargo ships in the strait have had a chilling effect, with the cost of safe passage spiking because insurers have canceled war-risk coverage.
—Rebecca Shabad, NBC news, 10 Mar. 2026
Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, the head of the vaccines arm, Vinay Prasad, has made unilateral policy changes that could limit access to certain shots, while also chilling investment in the sector.
—Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Adjective
The composer and producer casts a bleary eye upon the American Midwest on a chilling, starkly beautiful ambient album written as an homage to Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska.
—Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026
Threats from Iran to strike cargo ships in the strait have had a chilling effect, with the cost of safe passage spiking because insurers have canceled war-risk coverage.
—Rebecca Shabad, NBC news, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
For the first time, the chilling 911 call from an Arlington Heights couple who were trapped inside their home after an armed intruder broke in has been made public.
—Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, the head of the vaccines arm, Vinay Prasad, has made unilateral policy changes that could limit access to certain shots, while also chilling investment in the sector.
—Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chilling
Adjective
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The solid side features side-seam pockets that are perfect for keeping your hands warm on chilly days, while the tartan side features flap pockets to keep your phone, earbuds, and other small valuables secure.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Mar. 2026
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Ahead of the chilly weather, conditions will be warm and sunny on Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, according to the National Weather Service Fort Worth.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Chancellor Gordon Brown reacted by cutting duty on ultra-low sulphur petrol, freezing duty on other grades of motor fuel, putting more vehicles into the lowest vehicle excise duty band — a tax cut for most lorries — and taxing foreign truckers using British roads.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
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Wet or snowy roads may remain slick as temperatures fall below freezing everywhere.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Recognizing these and other common issues many pregnant and postpartum women experience while using the toilet, Ohio-originating smart toilet manufacturer Uncle Brown engineered a solution that makes using the bathroom a comfortable and relaxing experience.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
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Guests can enjoy the inn’s private gardens and one of its four relaxing pools, which were inspired by Hemingway’s nearby estate.—
Teaghan Skulszki,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Critics argue that these tactics risk turning ordinary citizens into human shields, discouraging Israeli or American drone strikes or amplifying the civilian cost if attacks occur.—
Pegah Banihashemi,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
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Instead of listening to and learning from debates, the administration is discouraging them.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Versatile, breezy dresses are the ultimate suitcase staple, taking you from sandy strolls and poolside lounging to ocean view dinners without missing a beat.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Mar. 2026
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The longstanding vacation spot basks in 343 sunny days a year, perfect for lounging on white-quartz sands or marveling at nature both above and below the water.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Varieties of Blueberries Blueberry varieties differ in terms of how many chill hours (the number of hours in wintertime when your temperature is at or below 45°F) are needed to produce fruit, as well as the plant’s heat tolerance.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
12 Mar. 2026
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How To Prune Blueberry Bushes Blueberries need a number of chill hours below 45ºF during dormancy to prompt new growth and flower development for next season.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The high temperatures particularly threaten babies, young children and elderly residents; Mayor Karen Bass urges residents to seek refuge in city cooling centers at recreation facilities and libraries.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
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While the pillow’s cooling properties are nothing to scoff at, its supportive qualities are just as impressive.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mack and the Chargers’ defense pressured quarterbacks Jalen Hurts of the Eagles and Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, frustrating them and keeping them out of their comfort zones.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
20 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chilling. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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