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

Their dynamic guys outside looked scary and like Oregon is going to be more explosive this year than in 2025. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Those moves instantly made the Rams one of the scariest defenses in the league. — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

That complication is the least of Dexter’s problems, between the four killers in his life and something else that’s just as scary. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2026

Almost twenty years ago, a doctor told Pamela Anderson the scariest news. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 Sep. 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