Scary - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT scary /ˈskɛri/ /ˈskæri/ IPA guide

Other forms: scariest; scarier

If something is scary, it makes you afraid, or scared. Horror films — scary movies — are a very popular genre. Apparently people like to be frightened.

Scary is more a more casual way to say "frightening," and you can also use it to describe something that's just bizarre or odd or exceptional: you've become such a good golfer, it's scary; or, you cleaned up you room so fast, it's scary. Note that there is no "e" in scary, even though the verb to scare ends in one.

Definitions of scary

adjective provoking fear or terror “a scary movie” synonyms: chilling, scarey, shivery, shuddery alarming frightening because of an awareness of danger

Pronunciation US /ˈskɛri/ UK /ˈskæri/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘scary'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing scary

Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -y

This vocabulary list features words with the common suffix that means "characterized by."

"Leapin' Lizards! Is That a Real Dragon?"

Learn these words from the feature article (Inside: Level C, Unit 2). Here are our links to the selections of "Stand or Fall": On the Menu; Find the Adaptations, The Three Chicarrones, Dragon, Dragon, Leapin' Lizards!, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Here are our links to the units of Level C: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4, Unit 5, Unit 6, Unit 7, Unit 8 Here are our links to the Inside books: Level A, Level B, Level C Here is our link to a list of academic vocabulary for Inside: Academic Vocabulary

Unit 18, Lesson 1

For a better understanding of the words you learned on Rosetta Stone Foundations, simply start a practice session! You’ll learn additional meanings and different contexts that will help you become a stronger reader and writer.

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