adj
Uncommon
sinister
SIH-nih-stuh
Sinister (adj) means suggesting evil intent or hidden danger. Example: “There was something sinister about the way he smiled.”
adj
1
Suggesting evil intent or hidden danger.
"There was something sinister about the way he smiled."
"A sinister figure lurked at the edge of the woods."
"The empty house had a sinister feel that made the children whisper."
2
(heraldry) Relating to the left-hand side of a shield, as seen from behind it.
"The crest features a lion on the sinister side of the shield."
How to use sinister
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGiving off a menacing or threatening feeling.
Common mistake
The heraldry sense ("left side") is specialised and rarely used outside coats of arms — most people only ever mean the "menacing" sense.
Common pairings
sinister motive
sinister figure
something sinister
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more sinister
- Superlative
- most sinister
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There was something _____ about the way he smiled.
Etymology
From Latin sinister, meaning "left" — the left side was historically associated with bad luck and ill omen.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for sinister
See all rhymes for sinister →Frequently asked questions
What does “sinister” mean?
The word “sinister” means suggesting evil intent or hidden danger. In plain terms, giving off a menacing or threatening feeling.
How do you pronounce “sinister”?
“Sinister” is pronounced SIH-nih-stuh (/ˈsɪ.nɪ.stəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sinister” in a sentence?
Here is “sinister” used in a sentence: “There was something sinister about the way he smiled.”
What part of speech is “sinister”?
“Sinister” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sinister” come from?
The word “sinister” comes from Latin. From Latin sinister, meaning "left" — the left side was historically associated with bad luck and ill omen.
Is “sinister” a common word?
“Sinister” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sinister” have?
“Sinister” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: suggesting evil intent or hidden danger.
What is the difference between sinister and evil?
Sinister describes something that suggests or hints at hidden danger or wrongdoing, often through appearance or atmosphere, without confirming actual harm has occurred. Evil describes something that is actually morally wrong or harmful, a stronger and more definite judgment than sinister.
What does sinister mean in heraldry?
In heraldry, sinister refers to the left-hand side of a shield as viewed from behind it, which corresponds to the viewer's right. This is a technical, specialized use distinct from the everyday meaning of suggesting evil intent.
Can sinister describe a place or feeling, not just a person?
Yes, sinister is commonly used to describe atmospheres, buildings, or situations that feel threatening or ominous, not only people. A dimly lit alley or an unexplained silence can both be described as sinister.
