sinful

adjective

sin·​ful ˈsin-fəl How to pronounce sinful (audio)
Synonyms of sinfulnext
1
: tainted with, marked by, or full of sin : wicked
2
: such as to make one feel guilty
a sinful chocolate cake
sinfully adverb
sinfulness noun

Examples of sinful in a Sentence

It is sinful to steal. chastised by his minister for his sinful behavior
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Gettin’ sinful all of a sudden. David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Tantric cultural and spiritual traditions, which began to emerge in the early centuries of the Common Era, take a positive perspective on the material world in general and the human body in particular, as opposed to traditions that regard both as inherently illusory or sinful. Anya Foxen, The Conversation, 9 Dec. 2025 But the very spaces created to protect boys from a sinful world sometimes became places where evil found them: a camping trip in Oklahoma. Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 9 Dec. 2025 Sure, or shoplifting or anything that feels sinful or wrong. Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sinful

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sinful was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Sinful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinful. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

sinful

adjective
sin·​ful ˈsin-fəl How to pronounce sinful (audio)
: marked by or full of sin : wicked
sinfully adverb
sinfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sinful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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