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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.

The victim's mother said: "I know these things are scary but the sooner you speak out the quicker police can get the person and hopefully, in time, give closure."

From BBC

She finds the unabashed escapism in micro-dramas appealing, especially when so much of the news feels "scary and worrisome".

From BBC

"It's scary, to put it briefly," said Iryna, who works at the port's container terminal.

From Barron's

"I don't know, its development is coming, and it's getting scary."

From Barron's

And even if that unknown is scary or dangerous, don’t I, as an explorer, still have to explore it, especially if it’s a matter of life and death?

From Literature