SINISTER Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sinister

adjective

ˈsi-nə-stər

Definition of sinister next

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

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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

Examples of sinister in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Massive glass windows and a misty backyard evoke the sinister sense of someone watching their strained connection from afar. —

Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2024 Conservative politicians, like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, portray themselves as fighting back against a sinister new force and upholding the way things have always been. —

Sarah Nooter / Made By History, TIME, 9 Sep. 2024 Luther, who has the sinister authority of a mild-mannered Lucifer in a wrinkled suit, makes to leave out of respect for Veronica’s wishes. —

Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024 And your portrayal is extremely sinister but has so much depth. —

Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sinister

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“Sinister.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sinister. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: 27 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of sinister

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Examples of sinister in a Sentence

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