sinister

adjective
UK: /ˈsɪnɪstər/
US: /ˈsɪnɪstər/

  1. Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen.

    1. The empty house had a sinister look about it, so they avoided it.
    2. The way he looked at me gave me a sinister feeling, as if something bad was coming.

  2. Threatening or suggesting evil or wickedness.

    1. A sinister figure lurked in the shadows, causing fear.
    2. The old graveyard seemed sinister, which made us quicken our pace.

Synonyms

menacing threatening ominous evil frightening unfriendly

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "sinister" in English means: Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen., Threatening or suggesting evil or wickedness..

The phonetic transcription of "sinister" is /ˈsɪnɪstər/ in British English and /ˈsɪnɪstər/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "sinister": menacing, threatening, ominous, evil, frightening, unfriendly.

Example usage of "sinister": "The empty house had a sinister look about it, so they avoided it.". More examples on the page.