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a scary movie
a terrifying movie
a spooky movie
a freaky movie
a nightmarish movie
a paranormal movie
a scary thought
a terrifying thought
a horrifying thought
a frightening thought
a chilling thought
a horrible thought
scary stories
spooky stories
creepy stories
ghostly stories
frightening stories
freaky stories
a scary time
a terrifying time
a dangerous time
a worrisome time
a traumatic time
a scary situation
a terrifying situation
a dangerous situation
a frightening situation
a bad situation
a crazy situation

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 As far as the rest of the conference goes, the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills will comprise legitimate threats, as per usual, and the Pittsburgh Steelers could also represent a scary ballclub depending on how Aaron Rodgers looks. Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025 No other piece of music this year so eloquently captured fin de siècle wariness, the gnawing sense that a new, scary, and potentially enlightening world may be only two years away. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Dramatic red flowers, which are known as calyxes, feature soft, spiny petals that are both elegant and a little bit scary. Maggie Heyn Richardson, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025 Somehow, even a small amount of blood can look like way more on a bedsheet, and that can be scary for someone new to having their period. Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scary
Adjective
  • What to know about the committee’s investigation into Epstein. 'Like a horror movie' Exhausting, terrifying and like something out of a horror movie.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • These Phillies have faced various forms of adversity in recent years, and none of it rises to this — their ace sidelined by a terrifying blood clot six weeks from the start of another postseason filled with great expectations.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Arab governments that for decades have been fierce advocates for the Palestinian cause are now facing criticism for their timid response to the extreme suffering in Gaza caused by Israel's war, risking a dangerous rift with their increasingly restive citizens.
    Mo Abbas, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Known for its timid and gentle nature, the snake is semiaquatic and nocturnal, feeding on earthworms in captivity.
    Real-Time News team, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The guys in there aren’t scared of these challenges.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Things were changing, and people—some people at least—were scared.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Amy Madigan’s striking performance is both funny and frightening, her witch an ancient, otherworldly being that only really understands power.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
  • Chad Michael Murray's journey to acting began with a frightening trip to the hospital.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Superficially courteous and casually racist, Jimmer is an old school authority figure, from his wide-brimmed hat to his work boots, and he’s presented as a fearful impediment to Marshall’s mission right from the jump.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Traveling to England, he was incarcerated by a government fearful of seeing their monarchy overthrown at home as abroad.
    Matthew Redmond August 13, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t be afraid to give your rooms multiple purposes Take advantage of the various nooks and crannies in your home.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Make sure to water regularly, especially in warmer months, and don’t be afraid to switch out plants seasonally to keep your containers fresh.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • After decades of battling brutal conditions in the Bering Sea, Hansen, 59, is now facing something even more formidable than icy waves — his own mortality.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Huntington Beach: The Oilers remain formidable with the return of All-County duo of Roxie Shaia and Taylor Savage at quarterback and wide receiver, respectively. 4.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But Wall Street doesn't seem as frightened of tariffs anymore.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 29 July 2025
  • As of Monday afternoon, Dickson still wasn’t sure whether someone punched through the window, or if her frightened dog, who heard numerous rounds of shots fired throughout the afternoon, tried to break free.
    Sofi Zeman July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scary. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

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