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
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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
Even Gantu, the film’s scariest presence, is mostly there for comic relief — he has been roped into this plot against his will and only sticks with it because of a bruised ego.
—
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 May 2025
Dave Hyde: The scary truth — Panthers drub Hurricanes in series opener with ‘C’ game
Just 48 hours after beating Toronto in Game 7, Florida became the first team in these playoffs to win in Carolina.
—South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 21 May 2025
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has been a terrifying prospect for opposing defenses, but there’s a chance the former Boise State star will be a little less scary in the NFL.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 21 May 2025
Weathers shook off a scary comebacker off Seiya Suzuki’s bat in the third inning.
—Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scary
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 May 2025
Dave Hyde: The scary truth — Panthers drub Hurricanes in series opener with ‘C’ game
Just 48 hours after beating Toronto in Game 7, Florida became the first team in these playoffs to win in Carolina.
—South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 21 May 2025
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has been a terrifying prospect for opposing defenses, but there’s a chance the former Boise State star will be a little less scary in the NFL.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 21 May 2025
Weathers shook off a scary comebacker off Seiya Suzuki’s bat in the third inning.
—Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scary
Adjective
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May has been equally terrifying for Ukrainian civilians.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
27 May 2025
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As the mysterious contract killer Vincent, Cruise brings his usual on-screen qualities — strict professionalism, precise physicality, ruthless persistence — but turns them on their head to embody a terrifying, amoral murderer.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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The confident smile the until then timid Giulio wears on his face as a result is equally cliched.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
25 May 2025
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The slope of that ramp makes Pike’s Peak look timid.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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Plus, hearing from the new owners, those dogs have also been scared and skittish around humans.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
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While gold is a popular choice when investors are scared, other alternatives such as infrastructure and real estate offer similar protection.—
Eric Satz,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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The ensuing action is gory and frightening — and even Wong got a little spooked by Hawkins.—
Eric Andersson,
People.com,
31 May 2025
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This is incredibly damaging to career prospects and, given how little knowledge exists in mainstream medical and occupational health circles, can feel confusing and frightening for those who don’t know where to turn for advice.—
Nancy Doyle,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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In Bolland’s judgment, Duffy was fearful of unlocking the past and thus naming and confronting his acts.—
Sarah Beckwith,
New Yorker,
26 May 2025
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That ambiguity has left Venezuelan immigrants with TPS not only fearful but also confused.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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On the experimental end, the label isn’t afraid to push boundaries, as evidenced by Magnificent Little Dudes, a captivating collaboration between Japanese ambient artist Chihei Hatakeyama and jazz drummer Shun Ishiwaka.—
Steve Baltin,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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Your soul craves experiences that deepen your understanding of the world; don’t be afraid to indulge in it.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Everything points to the fact that Karolína’s exceptional talent has caught the attention of the formidable and much admired choirmaster.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
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Sinha’s strategic interventions have substantially scaled up businesses, powering a formidable sales pipeline by assisting the company in landing enterprise-level engagements.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Horses are naturally skittish animals that can easily become frightened and bolt.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
27 May 2025
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Footage from the immediate aftermath captured mothers and fathers clutching children on their hips, running through the mist of water dousing the flames, while frightened dogs scrambled alongside them.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scary. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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