scarier; scariest
Synonyms of scarynext
1
: causing fright : alarming
a scary story
2
: easily scared : timid
3
: feeling alarm or fright : frightened
scarily adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His birdie chances on the 17th and 18th were woefully short on greens where short putts can be scary. CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026 The film can get a little scary at times for younger viewers, but both parents and kids will be captivated by its haunting beauty. Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Feb. 2026 His birdie chances on the 17th and 18th were woefully short on greens where short putts can be scary. Dallas Morning News, 22 Feb. 2026 Koong sees Gu as just Eileen, her gregarious friend who loves scary movies and the Chinese dish Beijing Kao Ya. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scary

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scary was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scary. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

scary

adjective
ˈske(ə)r-ē How to pronounce scary (audio)
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on scary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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