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scary

adjective

ˈsker-ē How to pronounce scary (audio)
Definition of scarynext
1
as in terrifying
causing fear a scary movie that gave the child nightmares for weeks afterwards

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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

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 This offense is again scary, and in different ways this time. — Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Simring also suggested that Kanarek’s allegedly scary posting had gone on for more than a year, although her online aggression toward Barisone lasted for about three weeks. — Ian Parker, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026 The reality is, despite the scary warnings and headlines, nothing has fundamentally changed in our view of the AI buildout. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 Instead of carving, consider painting your pumpkins with scary themes or funny faces. — Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scary
  1. terrifying
  2. timid
  3. scared
  4. frightening
  5. fearful
  6. afraid
  7. formidable
  8. frightened
Adjective
  • He’s crafted a propulsive, simultaneously terrifying and hilarious thrill ride that showcases both his cinematic chops and perverse sense of humor.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Compounding fears was a terrifying warning from a former AI executive last week that AI could end civilization within a decade and the tech companies aren’t doing enough about it.
    — S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Carla receives a voice recording that proves that one of the company’s most efficient team leaders, Madame Lalouette (Carine Rouvier), has been verbally abusing the timid Madame Morel (Sandra Le Gall).
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Known for his gruff vocals, LaMontagne first came to the scene in the early aughts as a timid troubadour.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of timid
Adjective
  • My parents were tense and distracted while my siblings were scared.
    — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Some of the sellers took a real beating on the way out, because the negative articles were so persuasive and the owners so scared.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of scared
Adjective
  • Then, several months later, her health took another frightening turn.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
  • These job changes seem frightening because past tech revolutions have shut people out.
    — Pat Gelsinger, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • And some musicians and songwriters are fearful of how these AI deals might affect livelihoods.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The investigation into Toro follows a complaint from Bigelow that alleges the workplace culture under Toro’s leadership is characterized as oppressive, bullying and fearful, according to the complaint.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of fearful
Adjective
  • David, not unlike Jerry, was afraid of falling and white-knuckled his way through.
    — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Since the incident nearly a year ago, the victim has been afraid to go outside, according to Clifton.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of afraid
Adjective
  • The decision to construct the film around precisely five-minute takes presents a formidable formal and technical challenge.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The Gateway defense was formidable, forcing seven negative plays in the first half, including four sacks, and limited the Eagles to 12 second-half snaps and one first down.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • Nations are sustained not just by declarations and famous generals, but by less celebrated moments when frightened, exhausted people decide not to give up.
    — Harry Ostrer, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Also at top of mind was the film’s sound design, which is deliberately used as another tool to make the audience feel frightened and uncomfortable.
    — William Earl, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of frightened

Browse Nearby Words

scars
scary
scat
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Cite this Entry

“Scary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scary. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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