What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scary
Example
The haunted house was too scary for me to enter. [scary: adjective]
Example
I had a scary dream last night that I couldn't shake off. [scary: adjective]
terrifying
Example
The rollercoaster ride was absolutely terrifying. [terrifying: adjective]
Example
The thought of being stranded in the middle of the ocean is truly terrifying. [terrifying: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scary is more commonly used in everyday language, while terrifying is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scary and terrifying?
Terrifying is more formal and serious than scary, which has a more casual and informal tone.
