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
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
As digitally dropped threats from an unknown predator grow increasingly sinister during the protagonist’s big date at a Chicago restaurant, the messages blast across the big screen in huge letters, or plaster an entire wall of the ladies’ restroom.
—
Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Thorne starred in the film as a young woman who discovers her father has been killed after returning to her small hometown, while Rourke, 72, starred as a sinister sheriff.
—Latoya Gayle, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Season 1 had plenty of satisfying, if predictable turns: the people living in a bubble, the double agent, the rebellion of Episodes 6 and 7, and the sinister nature of Sinatra/Samantha (Julianne Nicholson).
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025
The supernatural thriller is set in the Jim Crow South, where twin brothers—each played by Jordan—return home from Chicago with hopes of starting over, only to confront a sinister force that’s been waiting for them.
—Essence, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sinister
Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Thorne starred in the film as a young woman who discovers her father has been killed after returning to her small hometown, while Rourke, 72, starred as a sinister sheriff.
—Latoya Gayle, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Season 1 had plenty of satisfying, if predictable turns: the people living in a bubble, the double agent, the rebellion of Episodes 6 and 7, and the sinister nature of Sinatra/Samantha (Julianne Nicholson).
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025
The supernatural thriller is set in the Jim Crow South, where twin brothers—each played by Jordan—return home from Chicago with hopes of starting over, only to confront a sinister force that’s been waiting for them.
—Essence, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sinister
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sinister
Adjective
-
The fall in the dollar and rise in bond yields that went with it have been truly ominous.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2025
-
With its stout bastions and menacing defense towers, Kaunas Castle is the epitome of a medieval citadel.—
Joe Yogerst,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sinister.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sinister. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share