Synonyms for

Scary

Verb / ˈskeri: / Another word for scary — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing fear or alarm; frightening

Synonyms & similar words

shuddery scarey shivery chilling spooky frightening terrifying creepy haunting horrifying chilling eerie fearful hair-raising petrifying startling shocking daunting unsettling disturbing alarming grim macabre menacing

Synonyms by register

Formal

frightening alarming disturbing intimidating

Informal

creepy spooky eerie freaky hair-raising

Literary

dreadful dire ghastly

Antonyms

brave calm comforting reassuring bold confident fearless

Common collocations

  • scary movie
  • scary story
  • scary experience
  • scary moment
  • scary thought
  • scary good
  • scary loud

Word family

noun scariness
adverb scarily

Usage note

While 'scary' is common in everyday speech, more formal contexts might prefer 'frightening' or 'alarming'. 'Scary good' is an informal idiom meaning extremely good.

Example sentences

  1. The scary movie kept me up all night.
  2. I don't like going into dark, scary places.
  3. The clown costume looked scary.
  4. The roller coaster ride was too scary for me.
  5. The scary noise outside made me jump.

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