sinister

adjective

ˈsi-nə-stər How to pronounce sinister (audio)
Definition of sinisternext
as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come the movie relies too much on sinister background music to create the suspense that the plot sorely lacks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sinister different from other adjectives like it?

The words baleful and malign are common synonyms of sinister. While all three words mean "seriously threatening evil or disaster," sinister suggests a general or vague feeling of fear or apprehension on the part of the observer.

a sinister aura haunts the place

When is it sensible to use baleful instead of sinister?

The synonyms baleful and sinister are sometimes interchangeable, but baleful imputes perniciousness or destructiveness to something whether working openly or covertly.

exerting a corrupt and baleful influence

When would malign be a good substitute for sinister?

The words malign and sinister are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malign applies to what is inherently evil or harmful.

the malign effects of racism

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sinister In games, Riley Park unravels a sinister mystery around the fictional children’s television show Amanda the Adventurer after discovering a mysterious video tape in their late aunt Kate’s attic. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026 Martindale has revealed the sinister edge to her warm persona in shows like Justified and The Americans, so her intentions are naturally suspect. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 Director Rob Savage‘s horror title opens in 3,200 North American theaters, with the studio projecting a $20 million opening for the movie about a sinister entity showing up in a young girl’s closet. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 Dayle has other, more sinister options on the table (or under her off-white power suit) for an additional charge. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sinister
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sinister
  1. ominous
  2. menacing
Adjective
  • As evening descends on Paris, there are ominous signs for what lies ahead tonight.
    — Elina Baudier Kim, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Once storms roll through, things will change with temperatures falling for the afternoon, light rain and drizzle around, and cloudy ominous skies.
    — Ron Smiley, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of ominous
Adjective
  • The preacher sought refuge from a menacing bear by climbing a tree.
    — Alfred H. Moses, Baltimore Sun, 13 Oct. 2026
  • His friends and family received a barrage of menacing threats.
    — Todd Wallack, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of menacing

Phrases Containing sinister

Browse Nearby Words

singularly
sinister
sink
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Cite this Entry

“Sinister.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sinister. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sinister

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sinister

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