# scarier

/ˈskɛɹiɝ/ (US) · /skˈeəɹiɐ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scarier
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

more frightening than something else. You use this word to compare two things that make you feel afraid.

For teachers: the comparative form of 'scary'; causing a greater degree of fear or alarm than another entity. Typically follows a linking verb or precedes a noun.

## Examples

- The second movie is much scarier than the first one.
- Walking through the woods at night is scarier than doing it during the day because you cannot see what is moving.
- While the initial jump-scares were startling, the psychological tension in the final act proved far scarier to the audience, leaving a lasting sense of unease that the earlier scenes lacked.

## Pitfalls

- Not "more scarier" but "scarier" — Learners often double the comparative by using 'more' with the '-ier' ending; use only the '-ier' form for this word.

## Usage notes

- Comparative adjective — typically followed by 'than' when making a direct comparison.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.