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 Amelia Gray Hamlin Amelia Gray Hamlin partnered her black lace get-up with a sinister makeup look involving misty gray shadow. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025 But looks can be deceiving and this Aunt Gladys has some sinister motives. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 18 Sep. 2025 Watch to comprehend how sinister the lies are the Zionist crowd is trying to tell right now. Mandy Taheri jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 His hypnotic dance with a marching band in the finale cemented Milchick as both comic relief and a sinister presence — a balance that earned Tillman his first Emmy nomination and win. Okla Jones, Essence, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sinister
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sinister
Adjective
  • Lately, some employees are noticing an ominous trend in their career trajectories.
    Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The Giants tanked immediately after acquiring a high-profile superstar with a nine-figure contract, which was inexplicable, unexpected and ominous.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Additional revelations hint of Kiri's evolving powers, the menacing Quaritch bonding with Varang to help defeat the Na'vi, a spectacular air/sea clash between the Ash People, the RDA, and the Na’vi, and Spider threatening to kill someone offscreen.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Who’s messing with the lights and filling the air with menacing rumbles and zaps?
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sinister.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sinister. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sinister

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