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
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of scary
The Bogotá, Colombia, native saw the scary scene two years ago during the Copa America final as thousands of ticketless fans breached the security gates at Hard Rock Stadium to watch Colombia face Argentina.
—
ABC News,
26 June 2026
The China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, the Navy’s largest base for developing and testing weapons of warfare, suffered billions of dollars in damage, and the fact that the second quake was scarier than the first unnerved many Californians.
—
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
Your hotel room should feel like a cozy home away from home after a chaotic day of travel, not a scary room in a building full of strangers, where you could be spied on, robbed, or bitten by insects in your sleep.
—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
26 June 2026
Pegula could face the young, rising fellow American Iva Jovic in the fourth round and Gauff in the quarterfinals, but those aren’t scary matchups for the 32-year-old, who’s more accomplished on grass than both.
—
Ava Wallace,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scary
ABC News,
26 June 2026
The China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, the Navy’s largest base for developing and testing weapons of warfare, suffered billions of dollars in damage, and the fact that the second quake was scarier than the first unnerved many Californians.
—
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
Your hotel room should feel like a cozy home away from home after a chaotic day of travel, not a scary room in a building full of strangers, where you could be spied on, robbed, or bitten by insects in your sleep.
—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
26 June 2026
Pegula could face the young, rising fellow American Iva Jovic in the fourth round and Gauff in the quarterfinals, but those aren’t scary matchups for the 32-year-old, who’s more accomplished on grass than both.
—
Ava Wallace,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scary
Adjective
-
The full extent of the casualties and damage may not be clear for many hours, but reports and videos show extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure across the country as residents face a terrifying night in the streets.
-
Then the assailant turns to face the camera; but inside a hoodie, the face is no face, just a terrifying horror movie mask.
Adjective
-
Playing Mary Bennet — Elizabeth’s younger and more timid sister — Bruccoleri set out to portray the coming of age story of a Regency woman.
-
Don’t be timid; get the crust good and wet before proceeding.
Adjective
-
Humans are scared of him, so Nero becomes Rocco’s favorite thief.
-
People are very scared of being human.
Adjective
-
The hypocrisy is stunning, and frightening.
-
Yes, the Scots played poorly, but Brazil’s brilliant roster of attacking talent capitalized on mistakes with frightening efficiency.
Adjective
-
Many are fearful of being out in places with heightened law enforcement or even sending their children to school.
-
Despite a strong climate track record, Starmer had avoided talking much about the issue publicly, fearful of how voters would receive it.
Adjective
-
The ruling leaves trans student-athletes and their advocates feeling angry and afraid.
-
Pregnant mothers are afraid of their babies not being able to have a home.
Adjective
-
The Scottish lawyer was one of the smartest, most formidable specialists in the luxury business, with a reputation that carried internationally and a vast roll call of clients.
-
With five volumes of his Noise Kandy series, to solo and collaborative albums (KISS THE RING, Kontraband, Trainspotting), the Griselda affiliate has cemented his status as one of today’s most formidable spitters.
Adjective
-
Rodríguez acknowledged that many remain too frightened to return home even after inspections declared some buildings safe.
-
Some days are spent inside an Ebola Treatment Unit caring for patients who are frightened, isolated, and desperately ill.
Cite this Entry
“Scary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scary. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
