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

As a parent who has purchased my share of scary Halloween costumes, I was particularly disturbed by the controversy now engulfing Target. — Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2026

With prosthetics that gave him a grin to rival Jack Nicholson’s in another King project, The Shining, Curry’s Pennywise would endure as one of the scariest King creations on film or television. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026

And then there’s the scariest scenario for fans, which comes if owners do decide to sit out for a long time to get a cap — and the players are willing to go toe to toe. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Not to mention that the shows debuted touring drummer Anika Nilles, taking on the scariest gig imaginable, as well as keyboardist Loren Gold, who expanded the band to a four-piece for the first time. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 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