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
And what’s scarier than uncertainty?
—
Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
On Tuesday, the 38-year-old took to social media to detail the scary ordeal and give praise to those who jumped in to protect her.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
Involuntary urination is a scary condition for most people, and specific medical issues, stress or aging can lead to incontinence.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Her interrogation style is scary to say the least.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scary
Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
On Tuesday, the 38-year-old took to social media to detail the scary ordeal and give praise to those who jumped in to protect her.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
Involuntary urination is a scary condition for most people, and specific medical issues, stress or aging can lead to incontinence.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Her interrogation style is scary to say the least.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scary
Adjective
-
Even the more terrifying creatures, like rattlesnakes and scorpions, have their own undeniable, deadly beauty.—
Becky Bartkowski,
AZCentral.com,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The story that introduced millions of streaming viewers to the Crain family and their terrifying home is getting a brand-new life — this time, on stage.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Gallego is confident that none of the pejoratives affixed to Democrats—weak, feckless, timid—applies to him.—
Mark Leibovich,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
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Harry Melling stars as a timid man who is swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker (Skarsgård) takes him on as his submissive.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The tight-lipped kids are more ready to trust her, and one clearly scared girl references the diner from the prologue.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Among your characters, the men, outside of Sam Rockwell, look scared and the women do the heavy-lifting to save the world.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Trish Walters of Portland, Oregon, another passenger, recounted the frightening incident on social media.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
14 Feb. 2026
-
As unsettling events ripple through the town, Henry begins to grapple with the frightening possibility that he may be connected to the darkness taking hold.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Border czar Tom Homan says more than a thousand federal agents have already left Minnesota, though many community members remain distrustful and fearful.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Today everyday Texans are feeling stressed about the economy, demoralized by an administration that is trampling on our constitution, and fearful that our government is broken beyond repair.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Don’t be afraid to wear these shoes to the fullest.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Thank you for your attempt at helping in the noble cause of mannerliness, but Miss Manners is afraid that your suggestion represents the problem, not the solution.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Apple Pay and Cash App became formidable competitors.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The rout was on from there as Florida’s formidable frontcourt imposed its will, finishing with a 56-35 rebounding edge and a 20-point advantage in the paint.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
While protesters may be frightened and grieving after last month's bloodbath, they're not mollified.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Inside the bathysphere of the novel, readers make contact with a darkness that our frightened minds might otherwise reject.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scary. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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