spine-chilling

adjective

spine-chill·​ing ˈspīn-ˌchi-liŋ How to pronounce spine-chilling (audio)
Synonyms of spine-chillingnext
: alarmingly or eerily frightening

Synonyms of spine-chilling

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Examples of spine-chilling in a Sentence

the soldiers let out a spine-chilling yell just before charging the enemy
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Neither is well-received, which Dippold says is its own brand of spine-chilling nightmare. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 27 May 2026 In the three years since the war started, locals have gotten used to the spine-chilling sound of the sirens and mostly ignore it. — IEEE Spectrum, 18 May 2025 And a sequel has already been announced with Kirsten Dunst joining the spine-chilling story. — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 This complex dress featured a mannequin-like attachment on the back, making for the ultimate spine-chilling moment. — Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 25 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for spine-chilling

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spine-chilling was in 1946

Rhymes for spine-chilling

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Browse Nearby Words

spine cell
spine-chilling
spined
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Cite this Entry

“Spine-chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spine-chilling. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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