scary

adjective

ˈsker-ē 

scarier; scariest

1

: causing fright : alarming

a scary story

2

: easily scared : timid

3

: feeling alarm or fright : frightened

scarily

ˈsker-ə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• alarming
• dire
• direful
• dread
• dreadful
• fearful
• fearsome
• forbidding
• formidable
• frightening
• frightful
• ghastly
• hair-raising
• horrendous
• horrible
• horrifying
• intimidating
• redoubtable
• shocking
• spine-chilling
• terrible
• terrifying

Examples of scary in a Sentence

a scary movie that gave the child nightmares for weeks afterwards

a scary horse who spooked and kicked at its own shadow

Recent Examples on the Web

Get to know the backstory of these 5 scary birds Alebrijes: Even the dead need a spiritual guide Pedro Linares, an artist in Mexico City, introduced the celebration to colorful, mythical creatures known as Alebrijes in 1936. —Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024

And remember, your Halloween look doesn’t have to be scary, either. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 28 Oct. 2024

Ahead of this week’s festivities, Vogue editors and contributors from Alix Earle to Chris Appleton are sharing their favorite spooky scary inspiration—with a fashionable twist. —Vogue, 28 Oct. 2024

Simplify your choices, embrace scary risks, make quick calls, trust your instincts, and say yes to the weird stuff. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

scary

adjective

ˈske(ə)r-ē 

ˈska(ə)r-

scarier; scariest

1

: causing fright : alarming

a scary movie

2

: easily scared : timid

3

: feeling alarm or fright : scared, frightened

scary feeling

scarily

-ə-lē 

adverb