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
Try This Instead
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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
The notices added on to an already scary time for the community, MacLeod said.
—
Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
And third, the cap made contract term a scary thing, especially for veterans.
—Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 8 July 2025
This is still a pretty scary prospect, but my advice is to start small.
—Peter Boolkah, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei was taken off of the field in an ambulance during Sunday’s match against the Columbus Crew after a scary collision.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for scary
Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
And third, the cap made contract term a scary thing, especially for veterans.
—Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 8 July 2025
This is still a pretty scary prospect, but my advice is to start small.
—Peter Boolkah, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei was taken off of the field in an ambulance during Sunday’s match against the Columbus Crew after a scary collision.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for scary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scary
Adjective
-
For Bertram, whose family winery has roots deep in the terraced vineyards of the valley, the night was a blur of frantic decisions and terrifying uncertainty.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
-
But this is still grand blockbuster filmmaking: The scene where bombs explode across Gotham is as memorable and terrifying as anything in the series.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Putin played the timid souls of these make-America-weak policymakers like a violin.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Although timid at first, Sarah has now let her personality shine.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
There’s people that are getting into trouble because the powers that be are scared, too.—
Mario Koran,
jsonline.com,
12 July 2025
-
Most notable in the repeat of Man of Steel elements and themes, there’s the Kryptonian message threatening earth, which makes the public scared, so Superman turns himself in to government authorities.—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Moreover, if their environment is unpredictable, frightening, or volatile, some children learn that any disagreement could lead to danger and try to bury their feelings to avoid conflict and maintain a sense of peace.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Parents,
7 July 2025
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The great outdoors can be a big and frightening place, especially for cats who have only seen it from the safety of the great indoors.—
Joan Morris,
Mercury News,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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After raids on California farms in June, some crops have been left unharvested, with farm operators fearful of more crackdowns to come.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
-
Red flags might also include your child avoiding school or seeming fearful.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Don't be afraid to talk about your fears with family members, friends, a counselor or others who can offer emotional support.—
Sam Woodward,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
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The revelation helps explain why the giant snakes — which can grow to 18 feet in Florida — are not afraid to swallow creatures that are nearly equal in size, experts say.—
Mark Price
July 11,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
In short, because the Ukrainians have put up a formidable defense.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
9 July 2025
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Given the progress North Korea has made since 2019, however, Pyongyang would still retain a nuclear arsenal formidable enough to make any foreign attack unthinkable.—
ANDREI LANKOV,
Foreign Affairs,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
Audience noises at the NRG Stadium in Houston went from frightened gasps to applause as the descent was completed.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
29 June 2025
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Things were hectic in the mall, Stain, 45, said, with lots of frightened people running to the exits.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scary. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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