1
as in terrifying
causing fear
a scary movie that gave the child nightmares for weeks afterwards
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in timid
easily frightened
a scary horse who spooked and kicked at its own shadow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in scared
filled with fear or dread
I got a little scary when I heard the noise in the basement
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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a scary movie
a scary thought
a terrifying thought
a horrifying thought
a frightening thought
a chilling thought
a horrible thought
scary stories
a scary time
a scary situation
a terrifying situation
a dangerous situation
a frightening situation
a bad situation
a crazy situation
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scary
Though these scenes unfold in real time, the narrative as a whole progresses in fits and starts: episodes are separated by days or months, during which Jamie becomes something of a cause célèbre for the internet’s scariest men.
—
Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025
Signs your headache may be caused by a medical issue
Again, most headaches aren’t caused by something scary.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 13 Mar. 2025
And so having to pay more for the aluminum cans that ship his brews is a scary proposition.
—Olympia Sonnier, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025
And even if living through it can be scary, keep your eyes on the prize: your long-term goals.
—Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scary
Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025
Signs your headache may be caused by a medical issue
Again, most headaches aren’t caused by something scary.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 13 Mar. 2025
And so having to pay more for the aluminum cans that ship his brews is a scary proposition.
—Olympia Sonnier, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025
And even if living through it can be scary, keep your eyes on the prize: your long-term goals.
—Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scary
Adjective
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Tran swears that having a physical manifestation to interact with is why the terrifying sequences work.—
Simon Thompson,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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But actually just look at it and go, look, this is really, really scary and terrifying.—
Emily Maddick,
Glamour,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Cheered on by timid bankers who wouldn't risk a lemon in their sparse baskets.—
Dan Primack,
Axios,
11 Mar. 2025
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To say that does not trivialize the Holocaust, as some timid folk insist.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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As the scream queen, there’s a role that Sam’s character can play, either angry at Paul, fighting back, or super scared.—
Barry Levitt,
Rolling Stone,
15 Mar. 2025
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TikTok is eating our lunch, and executives are scared.—
Brian Davids,
The Hollywood Reporter,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While studying a rare species whose mating call appears to be the frightening shrieks the team has been hearing in the woods, the pair hired Kodiak (McHale) as their guide.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
21 Mar. 2025
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Granted that a 1 degree Celsius change in world average temperature can translate into a 4-degree Celsius increase in some of the most climate precarious countries, this last scenario is frightening.—
Mike O'Sullivan,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The first grooming session left her dog fearful and anxious, which is common among canines.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
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Morale inside the agency has plummeted, and retirees are growing fearful that the system might start faltering in getting checks out.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Go Dark Don't be afraid to add bits of gothic drama to bring a moody, mysterious sense to your home.—
Maggie Gillette,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Mar. 2025
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However, don’t be afraid to use that monogram from your invitation suite.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Although generally painted as having underperformed in Ukraine, Russia's air force would still be formidable.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
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Until then, this research offers the best look yet at one of the most formidable predators to ever swim the seas.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Inside, the staff scrambles for cover and a frightened woman and child are seen hiding behind a buffet counter.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
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Staying apolitical in his work, Lynch expressed the personal idiosyncrasy that reflected his upbringing in Midwest America (born in Missoula, Mont., and of Finnish-Danish heritage) as well as his private, frightened knowledge of national terror.—
Armond White,
National Review,
17 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scary. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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