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

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 The sinister air of the location is unlikely to leave them all unscathed. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025 Director Josh Ruben, along with screenwriters Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy, craftily concocts a sweetly sinister genre mashup, blending romantic comedy tropes with slasher movie fodder. —

Courtney Howard, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025 The typically magnetic Ramírez looms large, delivering a masterful turn as a well-heeled but enigmatically sinister figure who may or may not have his client’s best interest at heart. —

Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2025 Still others, however, agreed that the OP was valid for her reaction, but argued that her BFF’s intentions were less sinister than meets the eye. —

Bailey Richards, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sinister