B1adjective formal 5K

Sinister

🇬🇧 UK //ˈsɪnɪstə// 🇺🇸 US //ˈsɪnɪstɚ//

Meaning of Sinister

Having an evil or malevolent quality; suggesting harm or danger.

In simple words: Something bad or evil that causes worry.

Sinister in a sentence

• The sinister music in the movie made me feel anxious.
• There was a sinister atmosphere in the abandoned house.
• The politician's sinister motives were revealed in the investigation.
• She cast a sinister glance at her opponent.
• Reports of a sinister figure in the park circulated among the children.

How to use Sinister

Use 'sinister' to describe a feeling or an atmosphere that seems threatening or evil. It is more common in formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'sinister' like 'sin'; something that feels wrong or evil.

Related words

Collocations with Sinister

• sinister plan
• sinister smile
• sinister character

Synonyms for Sinister

• evil
• malevolent
• ominous
• threatening
• wicked

Opposites of Sinister

• benevolent
• harmless
• kind

Common mistakes with Sinister

• Used interchangeably with 'mysterious' without understanding the negative connotation.
• Confused with 'sinisterly', the adverb form, when trying to describe actions.

Frequently asked questions about Sinister

What does Sinister mean?

Something bad or evil that causes worry.

What is the definition of Sinister?

Having an evil or malevolent quality; suggesting harm or danger.

How do you use Sinister in a sentence?

The sinister music in the movie made me feel anxious.

Can you give another example of Sinister?

There was a sinister atmosphere in the abandoned house.

What are synonyms for Sinister?

Common alternatives include evil, malevolent, ominous, threatening, wicked.

What is the opposite of Sinister?

Opposite meanings include benevolent, harmless, kind.

What words go with Sinister?

It commonly pairs with sinister plan, sinister smile, sinister character.

What are common mistakes when using Sinister?

Used interchangeably with 'mysterious' without understanding the negative connotation. Confused with 'sinisterly', the adverb form, when trying to describe actions.

How do you pronounce Sinister?

US: //ˈsɪnɪstɚ//, UK: //ˈsɪnɪstə//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Sinister formal or informal?

"Sinister" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Sinister?

Use 'sinister' to describe a feeling or an atmosphere that seems threatening or evil. It is more common in formal contexts.

What CEFR level is Sinister?

"Sinister" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.