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 of scary

• terrifying
• frightening
• formidable
• horrible
• terrible
• intimidating

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

That’s precisely Dumont’s intention — freedom is fun and scary — but the choice is sure to raise eyebrows among critics of the director, who has historically been called out for his work with nonprofessional actors. —Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 25 May 2026

There’s no better time to swap scary stories than when the wind is howling and candles are flickering. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026

Agnieszka Kurant portrays the scary and absurd business of attempting to predict—and control—our world using data, logic, and algorithms. —Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 2026

Darby tried a suicide dive, but tripped on the ropes and landed on the back of his neck for a scary landing. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for scary

• aerie
• airy
• arie
• barre
• cherry
• clary
• dairy
• eyrie
• faerie
• faery
• fairy
• ferry

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