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

• 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

Most roads were nothing more than unpaved, gravel tracks with steep inclines, scary drop-offs, and switchback curves. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2025

Read your credit report Credit reports are inherently scary. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025

For a scary perspective, consider that Danielson’s team had 94 yards in penalties Saturday afternoon. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 2 Nov. 2025

Several reasons were to blame for the scary-low turnout, including a dearth of new releases as well as the misfortune of Halloween landing on a Friday, which meant families were distracted by trick-or-treating. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 2 Nov. 2025

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