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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scary
Return to it too many times over too many years, and that feeling might turn out to be the scariest monster of all.
—
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 June 2026
Even expert surfers have encountered scary situations during the swell.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
That’s scary and always has been.
—Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
That has changed of late, only to have those thirsty for big V-8 engines get bitten by scary-high gas prices.
—Matt Degen, AJC.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scary
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 June 2026
Even expert surfers have encountered scary situations during the swell.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
That’s scary and always has been.
—Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
That has changed of late, only to have those thirsty for big V-8 engines get bitten by scary-high gas prices.
—Matt Degen, AJC.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scary
Adjective
-
This terrifying, wondrous circle spinning around us here on Earth.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 June 2026
-
What would be terrifying is to not have that opportunity.—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
That might sound too timid in 2026, too reserved for a time when rights are being rolled back every day, and Gauthier recorded a much more direct version of the song late last year.—
Stephen Deusner,
SPIN,
15 June 2026
-
And despite a timid political opening that has allowed the return of several opposition leaders and the emergence of others from hiding, over 400 political prisoners remain in custody as of May 25, according to figures compiled by the NGO Foro Penal.—
Alfredo Meza,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Children are generally afraid of ghosts, so telling them to be scared of larger bodies is deeply problematic.—
Virgie Tovar,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
People seem to still go to the movies for the communal experience of being scared.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
What began as a quiet evening quickly turned frightening after the couple climbed onto the jetty rocks to look for shells and crabs.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
-
By the time of The Social Reckoning, a website that was once used to rate the attractiveness of women has gone on to disrupt global politics on a frightening scale.—
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Furthermore, Kalambay casts doubt on the idea that Ilunga was fearful for his own or his family’s life.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
Fiction can be tempting when facts prove elusive, and Tannahill’s series cherishes dancing between the demanding allure of the unknown and the fearful certainty of what can happen when pursuing it.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
There is no reason to be afraid.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
-
One woman intended to use the time to order electrolytes online, another was seeking earring backs, and a third needed to find a male babysitter, as well as a summer swim program, for a four-and-a-half-year-old who is afraid of the water.—
Patricia Marx,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
More than 30 years ago, Anna and her manager and trusted companion, Betsy Samson (a formidable Denise Burse), fled to Europe on the heels of a highbrow scandal.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Sure, Carpenter’s cut-the-ruggers are pizzazzing with their flips and cartwheels, but the Grande gang make formidable dance foes in the Sharks and Jets sense of the word.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Even young raccoons can bite or scratch when frightened, and wild animals can carry parasites and diseases, says Rakestraw.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
20 June 2026
-
When customers are frustrated, frightened, confused or considering leaving, those become high-risk moments.—
Demetri Giannikopoulos,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scary. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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