# scariest

/ˈskɛɹiəst/ (US) · /skˈeəɹiəst/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scariest
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the most frightening or most likely to make you feel afraid. You use this to describe the one thing that causes the most fear in a group.

For teachers: the superlative form of 'scary', indicating the highest degree of fear or terror. Often used to describe the most frightening element within a specific set or experience.

## Examples

- That was the scariest movie I have ever seen.
- The scariest part of the hike was crossing the narrow bridge over the deep canyon.
- While many found the storm's wind to be the scariest element, others were more unsettled by the eerie, absolute silence that preceded the first lightning strike.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the most scariest" but "the scariest" — Since 'scary' is a two-syllable adjective ending in 'y', the superlative is formed by changing 'y' to 'i' and adding '-est'. Do not use 'most' with the '-est' form.

## Usage notes

- Superlative form of 'scary'; typically follows 'the' and precedes a noun, or follows a linking verb.

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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.