1
as in terrifying
causing fear
a scary movie that gave the child nightmares for weeks afterwards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in timid
easily frightened
a scary horse who spooked and kicked at its own shadow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in scared
filled with fear or dread
I got a little scary when I heard the noise in the basement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
a scary movie
a scary thought
a terrifying thought
a horrifying thought
a frightening thought
a chilling thought
a horrible thought
scary stories
a scary time
a scary situation
a terrifying situation
a dangerous situation
a frightening situation
a bad situation
a crazy situation
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scary
With stealth mechanics now in the mix, Metroid Dread doubled down on the scarier bits of Metroid Fusion to create gameplay sections where deadly EMMI robots have to be avoided, at least until Samus regains her strength (big shock).
—
Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 1 May 2025
That can be a scary time for the most seasoned executives, and even more so for startup executives living it for the first time.
—George Deeb, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Playoff Jimmy combined with Steph Curry and Draymond Green is quite scary.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
The frontman proved expressive and animated despite serious hearing issues that sidelined him for a few scary years, and a voice that, understandably, doesn’t always have the sustain and power of earlier days.
—Katherine Turman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scary
Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 1 May 2025
That can be a scary time for the most seasoned executives, and even more so for startup executives living it for the first time.
—George Deeb, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Playoff Jimmy combined with Steph Curry and Draymond Green is quite scary.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
The frontman proved expressive and animated despite serious hearing issues that sidelined him for a few scary years, and a voice that, understandably, doesn’t always have the sustain and power of earlier days.
—Katherine Turman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scary
Adjective
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The teaser trailer showcases the epic highs and lows of professional football, with a focus on the lows, as all of this looks terrifying.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
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But despite the terrifying name, giant viruses aren’t necessarily any more dangerous than a standard-sized species.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In general at the N4G summit, and in particular at a side event at the Brazilian embassy themed around food systems and climate change, discussions of climate change were timid about mentioning industrial livestock’s role in land-use change.—
Christine Ro,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Wu was seen as timid at the beginning of the migrant crisis, staying in the background while Healey seized a Roxbury community rec center as a migrant shelter.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The Bears should be hoping other teams are scared off by Campbell’s shorter-than-ideal arms.—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2025
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But much of the problem then was that Europeans were simply not scared enough to do their part.—
Barry R. Posen,
Foreign Affairs,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
After the frightening threat, the man suddenly ran off in an unknown direction.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2025
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Serena Joy Waterford is among the most frightening, dead-hearted women ever written for the small screen.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But the hauling and dumping operation has led to a dramatic fallout between county officials and Tujunga residents and is another example of a community fearful of accepting debris related to the Eaton and Palisades fires.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Victim fearful of ex-boyfriend In court documents, Garcia-Molina described how Nathan stalked her after their five-month relationship, which ended in November 2024.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Don’t be afraid of just pausing for a second — this could be a great time for more dirty talk or caressing — particularly once the whole hand is inside.—
Quispe López,
Them.,
30 Apr. 2025
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Hairston impressed at the combine in Indianapolis by running a 4.28 40-yard dash and has the speed to keep everything in front while not being afraid to get physical.—
Bryce Lazenby,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
There are formidable breakfast burritos to be devoured all over Greater Los Angeles and Orange County.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Mike has fostered a collaborative environment with a team committed to building a formidable global business – innovating and trailblazing at every level.—
Billboard Staff,
Billboard,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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When a deputy arrived, the victim was shaking and frightened, the complaint said.—
Dylan Gentile,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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The next night, her sister Gwen said Selonia became frightened when a relative who was visiting Selonia spotted Jimmy Ray Barnes near her home.—
Vladimir Duthiers, Paul LaRosa,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scary. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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