as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come
the movie relies too much on sinister background music to create the suspense that the plot sorely lacks
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Recent Examples of sinister
The British indie — about the uncovering of a sinister global cabal that controls the world (and is run by Spacey) — was the first movie that actor shot after being cleared of charges in the U.K. in 2023.
—
Alex Ritman, Variety, 20 May 2025
Welcome to the sinister world of Qilin and Hunters International ransomware.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
For us as Jews, Easter has far more sinister overtones — of the passages from the Gospels that gave birth to modern antisemitism, of passion plays, pogroms, and emotional fuel for the literal fires that consumed our people.
—Joshua Stanton, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
Broken down by days of the week and paired with sinister organ music, the odd chapter is a fun ride.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sinister
Alex Ritman, Variety, 20 May 2025
Welcome to the sinister world of Qilin and Hunters International ransomware.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
For us as Jews, Easter has far more sinister overtones — of the passages from the Gospels that gave birth to modern antisemitism, of passion plays, pogroms, and emotional fuel for the literal fires that consumed our people.
—Joshua Stanton, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
Broken down by days of the week and paired with sinister organ music, the odd chapter is a fun ride.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sinister
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sinister
Adjective
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
-
Punched in the face That could explain the chain saw-wielding, the jumping up and down onstage, the manic baby-making and crusading for more spreading of sperm by smart people and the ominous Nazi-style salutes.—
Maureen Dowd,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2025
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The man was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault strangulation, second-degree kidnapping, false imprisonment, menacing and prohibited use of weapons, deputies said.—
Sara Schilling,
Sacbee.com,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sinister.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sinister. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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