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

Given the average retirement benefit is now slightly under $2,100 a month, that’s a pretty scary prospect. — Peter Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2026

At the bottom of this scary litany of exposures was an inviting button labeled Begin Protection. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026

Take, for instance, the 1970s Cincinnati Reds, who won two straight World Series championships and had a scary-sounding nickname — The Big Red Machine — that suggested global domination. — Steve Buckley, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

New highs frequently produce pullbacks, profit-taking and scary headlines. — Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 4 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