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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.
The Last Jedi challenges questions and expectations set up in the prior episode while deepening the scary, intimate bond between Rey and Kylo. Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Nov. 2025 Meanwhile, the Avs have shown that a team with arguably the best collection of offensive weapons in the league being laser-focused on defense is a truly scary development. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 28 Nov. 2025 This dystopian novel is like that but scarier. Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 Nov. 2025 And that looks scary and upsetting. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 Nov. 2025 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 8 Dec. 2025.

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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