scary

adjective

ˈsker-ē How to pronounce scary (audio)
scarier; scariest
Synonyms of scarynext
1
: causing fright : alarming
a scary story
2
: easily scared : timid
3
: feeling alarm or fright : frightened
scarily
ˈsker-ə-lē How to pronounce scary (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of scary

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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.
Desperate to get that handsome life back, Hagen undergoes an experimental procedure that initially works only to give way to a scary new reality with shape-shifting skin. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 When the company selling you the scary future publishes internal research saying the scary future has not shown up, that is a signal worth reading. — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026 Dante and practical-effects master Rob Bottin get pretty close, though—but the scariest moment, in my opinion, involves only the werewolf’s hand. — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026 But the opening period didn’t end without a scary moment, as Antetokounmpo fell hard on his back side after being fouled on a dunk attempt late in the first quarter. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 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

Rhymes for scary

See All Rhymes for scary

Browse Nearby Words

scarved
scary
scat
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Cite this Entry

“Scary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scary. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
-ə-lē How to pronounce scary (audio)
adverb
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