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.
But the real scary part for opponents is the batting lineup. Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 Including Broadcom and Marvell for good measure to reinforce the idea that despite the scary geopolitical headlines the semis have simply been in winter hibernation, are starting to wake up and will likely run free again as the snow and geopolitical tensions finally melt away. Todd Gordon, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026 For those who believe history always repeats itself, a surge in oil prices amid a weakening economy is a scary sign. Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026 The Pistons, with home-court advantage, in the second round is a scary team to stand in front of when the owner expects to, at the very least, get back to the Eastern Conference finals. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 9 Mar. 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 14 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

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