1
as in terrifying
causing fear
a scary movie that gave the child nightmares for weeks afterwards
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scary
But amid the repetitive jump scares lies a thoroughly scary and satisfying concluding chapter to Stephen King’s classic story.
—
Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
This year's buckets are a cute (and definitely not spooky) array of Halloween friends, including a friendly ghost, a black cat, the iconic jack-o'-lantern, a not-too-scary red zombie, and a green monster that would make Frankenstein proud.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
The film is funny, sad, and scary in equal measure.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
But, if there’s one thing Swift has proven through every cultural pivot, is that sharing the scariest and most raw parts of growing up and navigating the world is what truly connects — and there’ll be real fans waiting with excitement to see what the next era brings.
—Bianca Davino, Refinery29, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scary
Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
This year's buckets are a cute (and definitely not spooky) array of Halloween friends, including a friendly ghost, a black cat, the iconic jack-o'-lantern, a not-too-scary red zombie, and a green monster that would make Frankenstein proud.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
The film is funny, sad, and scary in equal measure.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
But, if there’s one thing Swift has proven through every cultural pivot, is that sharing the scariest and most raw parts of growing up and navigating the world is what truly connects — and there’ll be real fans waiting with excitement to see what the next era brings.
—Bianca Davino, Refinery29, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scary
Adjective
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There was also the terrifying clip, captured in August 2021, showcasing when a bull moose charged at a bystander.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
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The drop was vertiginous and terrifying, but Young sidled right up to the edge.—
Eren Orbey,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In the bit, Rihanna and Ronnie (Andy Samberg) are dropping knowledge to a group of grade schoolers with the singer crooning in her power range as timid Ronnie can barely rise above a whisper to her utter consternation.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
14 Oct. 2025
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Finally, the Gators’ timid portal strategy is deliberate, not an unwillingness to adapt.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Continue reading … 'TRYING MY BEST' – Country star 'scared' after anti-Trump song ignites social media firestorm.—
,
FOXNews.com,
8 Oct. 2025
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Kids are all scared and all alone.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Add them to movie-night snacks, candy bowls, or trick-or-treat bags for a fun, not-too-frightening addition to your Halloween spread.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Oct. 2025
-
The sight of armed soldiers outfitted for war on city streets strikes many Americans as a frightening escalation from a President seemingly bent on punishing those who oppose him.—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Hollywood these days feels really fearful of enflaming conservative ire.—
David Amsden,
Rolling Stone,
7 Oct. 2025
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As one of us found in a project involving more than 300 board directors, not only are AI pilots not sure to deliver, but employees, fearful of AI, don’t take advantage of its potential, and AI projects don’t address the way organizations work and add value.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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For its part, Beijing remained defiant, with the commerce ministry saying Sunday that China doesn’t want a tariff war but is also not afraid of one.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
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Those in the fanbase who wanted Lewis gone four weeks ago are now afraid to lose him.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Rip currents are formidable natural forces, but knowing how to react can significantly increase your chances of safely navigating these challenging waters.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Oct. 2025
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With the Eagles’ offensive line not as formidable as last season, Barkley was back to his feast or famine style.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Despite Lockjaw’s raid of their town, which reads as akin to an ICE campaign, Sensei isn’t frightened, confused, or shaken.—
Robert Daniels,
Time,
10 Oct. 2025
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The film revealed that when his pal John Belushi died of a drug overdose in 1982 at age 33, Candy was visibly shaken and frightened.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scary. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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