One way is to use them sparingly. For example, instead of constantly using 'scary' words, drop in a really powerful one like 'dread' at key moments, like when the character is about to open a door that they know something bad might be behind. This makes the impact greater.
Let's say the four words are 'Foggy, Footsteps, Danger, Fear'. You could set the scene with 'The foggy night was filled with an air of danger.' Then describe the sound of 'footsteps' approaching, which builds the tension. And finally, the feeling of 'fear' that the character experiences as a result. By using these words to set the mood, create action, and describe emotions, they can be very effective in a scary story.
Well, first, you need to understand the meaning of each word deeply. For instance, the word 'malevolent'. If you want to use it, you could write 'A malevolent force seemed to seep from the ancient tomb'. You can also combine these words. Say you use 'sinister' and 'shadowy' together like 'The sinister, shadowy figure emerged from the alley'. This way, you build a more complex and scarier scene. You can also use these words to set the mood from the very beginning. Start with a word like 'gloomy' to make the reader feel the unease right away.
Xenomorph. In a science - fiction - inspired scary story, a xenomorph - like creature could be lurking in the shadows of a spaceship. It's a deadly and alien entity, with acid for blood and a terrifying appearance. The crew members are slowly being hunted down one by one, and the confined spaces of the ship make it even more horrifying as there's nowhere to really hide.
Jackal. Jackals are often associated with death and the afterlife in some cultures. In a scary story, a pack of jackals could be seen as harbingers of doom. They could lurk around an old cemetery, howling at night, and their eyes glowing in the dark, creating a spooky atmosphere.