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

The scary transition to independence Young adults living away home, without a highly structured school day with classes and extracurriculars dominating most of their time, are going to make mistakes. — Mary Frances Ruskell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Additionally, the findings of a report submitted to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors might prove very scary in terms of potential job losses and more if the $111 billion merger with Warner Bros Discovery goes through. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

If everything is already imbued with the pallor of the dead from the start, then nothing is scary or unexpected. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2026

Someone with the speed and hitting ability of Igwebuike is scary enough for a quarterback. — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 19 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