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

Yes, scarier than the strange dialogue in Reminders of Him. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026

However, there was a really scary moment in a Game 4 thriller when one player took a skate blade straight to the face. —Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026

The courageous astronauts made a historic mission around the moon and united us for a brief moment in this stressful, scary moment in history. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026

The Lundkvist injury was the scary note in an entertaining game, and one that the Stars ultimately blew. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Apr. 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