What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spookiest
Example
The abandoned house on the hill is the spookiest place I've ever seen. [spookiest: superlative adjective]
Example
The sound of footsteps in the empty hallway was enough to make me feel spooked. [spooked: past participle]
scariest
Example
The scariest movie I've ever seen was about a haunted doll that came to life. [scariest: superlative adjective]
Example
The rollercoaster ride was so scary that I had to close my eyes the entire time. [scary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scary is more commonly used than spooky in everyday language. Scary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while spooky is less common and often associated with Halloween or ghost stories.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spookiest and scariest?
Both spooky and scary are informal words that can be used in casual conversations or creative writing. However, scary can also be used in formal contexts to describe serious or alarming situations.