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 After some aimless small talk, the old woman soon gets down to her real, sinister business. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025 Also like Lynch, Robinson’s onscreen world hums with quiet dread, a sense that something sinister lurks just beneath the veil of the everyday banal. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025 Cue his descent into a sinister underworld full of masked orgies—and all hell breaking loose. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025 Is their entire a life a facade for something more sinister? Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sinister
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sinister
Adjective
  • If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • This isn’t as ominous as, say, the GOP effort to steal the 2020 presidential election with absurd claims, bad lawyers and a mob attack on the Capitol.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There are far more menacing 4X space game series out there, but Galactic Civilizations is an extremely welcoming experience for new players while still offering a bunch of depth and strategic choices for players to make.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sinister.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sinister. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sinister

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