scarier; scariest
Synonyms of scarynext
1
: causing fright : alarming
a scary story
2
: easily scared : timid
3
: feeling alarm or fright : frightened
scarily adverb

Examples of scary in a Sentence

a scary movie that gave the child nightmares for weeks afterwards a scary horse who spooked and kicked at its own shadow
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The conditions in Domiz are not scary as a sign of what the future might be like for everyone. Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 6 Apr. 2026 While weaponizing hate has been around almost as long as humanity itself, this new version is particularly scary because the checks and balances that were put into place in previous generations have been removed. Steven Burg, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026 There was a scary collision between the Spirit's Lucia Di Guglielmo and teammate Tara Rudd before halftime. ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026 To combat this scary new reality, Gilbert underwent 10 rounds of radiation to shrink the two leftover tumors in his brain. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scary

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scary was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scary. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

scary

adjective
ˈske(ə)r-ē How to pronounce scary (audio)
ˈska(ə)r-
scarier; scariest
1
: causing fright : alarming
a scary movie
2
: easily scared : timid
3
: feeling alarm or fright : scared, frightened
scary feeling
scarily adverb

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