What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chilling
Example
The chilling wind made me wrap my coat tighter around myself. [chilling: adjective]
Example
The movie had a chilling atmosphere that kept me on the edge of my seat. [chilling: adjective]
scary
Example
I don't like watching scary movies because they give me nightmares. [scary: adjective]
Example
The haunted house was filled with scary decorations and eerie sounds. [scary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scary is more commonly used than chilling in everyday language. Scary is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of situations, while chilling is less common and often used in more specific or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between chilling and scary?
While chilling can have a slightly more formal or literary tone, scary is more commonly used in informal and everyday language.