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chilling

adjective
chill·​ing | \ ˈchi-liŋ How to pronounce chilling (audio) \

Definition of chilling

: gravely disturbing or frightening a chilling case of abuse
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Other Words from chilling

chillingly \ ˈchi-​liŋ-​lē How to pronounce chillingly (audio) \ adverb

Synonyms for chilling

Synonyms

bitter, bleak, chill, chilly, nipping, nippy, raw, sharp

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Examples of chilling in a Sentence

a Southern visitor who was unused to the chilling air of a Northeast winter

Recent Examples on the Web

 Considering the increasingly remote chances for peace in the Middle East, this tale of a madman’s fanaticism takes on an especially chilling and mournful power. — Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Incitement': Film Review | TIFF 2019," 8 Sep. 2019 Earlier this year, local government officials announced the discovery of hundreds of chilling items at Nazi massacre sites in northwestern Germany. — Fox News, "Hitler's secret Nazi war machine revealed in hidden bases," 6 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chilling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of chilling

1815, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for chilling

chilling

adjective
How to pronounce chilling (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of chilling

: very disturbing or frightening

See the full definition for chilling in the English Language Learners Dictionary

chilling

adjective
chill·​ing | \ ˈchi-liŋ How to pronounce chilling (audio) \

Kids Definition of chilling

: very upsetting or frightening But nearly every book mentioned one chilling story …— Ann M. Martin, Baby-sitters' Winter Vacation

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More from Merriam-Webster on chilling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for chilling

Nglish: Translation of chilling for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of chilling for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chilling

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