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Synonyms

scary

American  
[skair-ee] / ˈskɛər i /

adjective

scarier, scariest

  1. causing fright or alarm.

  2. easily frightened; timid.

scary British  
/ ˈskɛərɪ /

adjective

  1. causing fear or alarm; frightening

  2. easily roused to fear; timid

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of scary

First recorded in 1575–85; scare + -y 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Her eyes are focused on 467 Astor Street—the only home I’ve ever had—where the scary line of vehicles ends.

From Literature

The competitive dynamic is scary to some wireless investors, who worry the companies will undercut each other on price in a race to the bottom.

From MarketWatch

“Epstein was very upset, had an intense energy and was scary,” Perry Lang told the FBI interviewer.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's a wee bit scary, but I've a lot of faith in the staff," the 67-year-old said as he went to theatre.

From BBC

"And he often complained about suffering with headaches, brain fog, and anxiety, and it became quite scary for me."

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.