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 Nature intrudes on the innies’ lives in increasingly sinister ways, as when they’re spirited into the wilderness for a quasi-religious ORTBO, or Outdoor Retreat and Team Building Occurrence. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2025 Lithgow’s character humiliates Rush’s character by forcing him to perform a humiliating act on the dementia doll, reveling in the deeply sinister debauchery. Simon Thompson, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 Unfortunately, one of the other wards is Dave Crealy (John Lithgow), who terrorizes the residents in increasingly sinister ways — along with the help of his hand puppet, Jenny Pen. William Earl, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025 Trachtenberg sold each and every one with impeccable comedic timing and the perfectly sinister cattiness a character like Georgina deserves. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sinister

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Cite this Entry

“Sinister.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sinister. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sinister

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