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

These dark thrillers where nothing scary happens till the end. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 22 July 2026

Mimi said one customer had a picture of a scary clown in his profile and his name listed as MURDER, in all caps. — Meena Thiruvengadam, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026

Other social media users argued that the trailer was scary enough that theaters should warn audiences about the imagery in the clip before showing the full preview. — Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 21 July 2026

However, as scary as authenticity can be, the cost of inauthenticity is even greater. — Bykaren R. McDaniel, Forbes.com, 21 July 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