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

Relevance

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 While the visual effect can be startling, there is nothing sinister at play. —Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026 The same sad and sinister menace occupying 1600 Penn. —Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 The character was previously only seen from behind or in close-ups of his hands petting his sinister white kitty. —Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026 Through heightened control of imagery and mood, attention to composition and texture and sound, Manuel turns this simple, languid setting into something far more sinister without ever betraying the beauty of what’s onscreen. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sinister
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sinister
  1. ominous
  2. menacing
Adjective
  • But for now, his parting words were ominous.
    — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The ominous silence is more evidence of a city mired in political intrigue with too little transparency.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of ominous
Adjective
  • Seattle’s home crowd let out a menacing roar.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
  • But for an unwilling or unprepared person immersed in this place, these attributes can become much more menacing.
    — Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of menacing

Phrases Containing sinister

Browse Nearby Words

singularly
sinister
sink
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sinister.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sinister. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on sinister

Nglish: Translation of sinister for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sinister

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

What does 'etcetera' mean?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Why Is the Letter ‘Z’ Associated With Sleeping?

The Words of the Week - Feb. 13

Why do we call it 'ides of March'?
See More

Popular

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All