sinister

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sinister" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is evil, harmful, or threatening in nature. Example: "The dark clouds and eerie silence created a sinister atmosphere as they approached the abandoned house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Cambridgeshire, he is diabolical and sinister and those who encounter him should look the other way, since his appearance is said to warn of a death in the family.

The Guardian - Travel

We should laugh at her. She's both absurd and sinister, and laughter is a powerful weapon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now I see this campaign in a more sinister light.

The Guardian

That appalling arrogance was bolstered by an even more sinister knowledge.

The Guardian

I never read any Sam Pig or Little Grey Rabbit (for the same reason that I never read any Beatrix Potter either – when I was very small, the sight of animals in clothes seemed so sinister that it used to give me convulsions. Use all the misty watercolouring you like, it ain't right, and I ain't going near it, I used to think).

The Guardian - Books

In an obvious sense the Real IRA's threat to start murdering bankers is a sinister development.

The Guardian

I've now learned it also invites sinister spirits to your gathering.

The Guardian

He complained to Johnson about the "waves of invective over the years from parts of the Medical and Scientific Establishments" (capped up as if a single and somewhat sinister body).

The Guardian

Threatening reporters with the Official Secrets Act was a sinister new device to get round the protection of journalists' confidential sources.

The Guardian

The festival will alsofeature a sinister sound sculpture by Janek Schaefer, who lived as a child on the outskirts of Milton Keynes.

The Guardian - Arts

However, the climb was nowhere near as creepy as the 2,350m top of the Gemmi – a dramatic high-altitude plateau with a sinister edge.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sinister" to create a sense of unease or foreboding in your writing. The word is most effective when describing atmospheres, characters, or events that hint at underlying danger or evil intentions.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "sinister", as it can lose its impact. Balance its use with other descriptive words to maintain the desired effect without sounding melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sinister" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as threatening, evil, or ominous. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to add a sense of foreboding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "sinister" is frequently employed to describe something that is evil, harmful, or threatening. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and widely used. With a very common frequency, primarily in News & Media contexts, "sinister" effectively evokes unease and foreboding. Alternative words include "ominous" and "menacing". To avoid overuse, writers should consider balancing its application with other descriptive terms. In essence, "sinister" serves as a potent tool in crafting atmospheres of suspense and anticipation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ominous

Implies a threatening or inauspicious nature, often suggesting something bad will happen.

menacing

Suggests a direct and immediate threat, creating a sense of danger.

threatening

Indicates an intention to inflict harm or punishment.

evil

Denotes profound immorality and wickedness.

baleful

Suggests a destructive or deadly influence.

foreboding

Creates a sense of impending doom or misfortune.

inauspicious

Indicates unfavorable circumstances or bad luck.

portentous

Implies a sign or warning of significant events to come, often negative.

dire

Suggests an extremely serious or urgent situation.

ill-omened

Describes something that is considered a bad omen or a sign of misfortune.

FAQs

How is "sinister" typically used in a sentence?

The adjective "sinister" is used to describe something that gives the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen. For example: "There was a sinister atmosphere in the old house."

What words can I use instead of "sinister"?

You can use alternatives like "ominous", "menacing", or "threatening" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "sinister" to describe a person?

Yes, it is correct to use "sinister" to describe a person, implying they have an evil or malevolent nature. For instance: "The villain had a sinister smile."

What is the difference between "sinister" and "evil"?

"Evil" refers to profound immorality or wickedness, while "sinister" suggests a lurking danger or a sense of foreboding. "Evil" describes the inherent quality, whereas "sinister" describes the perceived atmosphere or threat.