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

But like the best scary movies, Horror has a strong ending. —Brendan Hay, SPIN, 19 Feb. 2025

Soto, Judge trade barbs Once, long ago — ahem, last season — Juan Soto and Aaron Judge formed the scariest hitting combination in MLB. —Chris Branch, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025

And yet, even though this one wasn’t as flashy, Preece said this wreck was scarier than his previous tumble. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2025

Keep The Kitchen Spotless Weekly Fridge Cleaning Seeing some scary goop under your groceries in the corner of your fridge? —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025

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