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Meaning of sinister
The primary meaning of the word "sinister" is giving an impression of evil or menace.
Etymology of sinister
The word "sinister" comes from the Latin "sinister", meaning "on the left side", which was considered unlucky or evil in ancient Roman culture
Historically, the word was used to describe something that was on the left side, but over time it developed a connotation of evil or menace
Synonyms
ominous
foreboding
menacing
threatening
intimidating
frightening
alarming
dire
calamitous
disastrous
malevolent
evil
wicked
inauspicious
unfavorable
unlucky
gloomy
dark
dismal
discouraging
unpromising
ill-omened
baleful
malignant
hurtful
harmful
injurious
destructive
catastrophic
deleterious
pernicious
noxious
baneful
ill-fated
doomed
fateful
ill-starred
unpropitious
inopportune
adverse
unfavorable
inhospitable
hostile
antagonistic
aggressive
belligerent
bellicose
pugnacious
combative
contentious
quarrelsome
argumentative
Definitions
- Giving an impression of evil or menace, or of being likely to cause something unpleasant or dangerous
- Unlucky or ill-omened, especially in relation to a particular person or activity
- Intended to deceive or manipulate people, especially in a clever or sneaky way
Usage Examples
- The old mansion had a sinister appearance, with its dark windows and overgrown gardens
- The company's sinister motives were revealed when they announced their plans to lay off hundreds of employees
- The plot of the movie was sinister, involving a corrupt government official and a deadly conspiracy
Antonyms
benign
harmless
innocuous
inoffensive
non-threatening
reassuring
comforting
pleasant
favorable
lucky
auspicious
propitious
advantageous
beneficial
helpful
salutary
wholesome
virtuous
righteous
moral
ethical
noble
honorable
decent
respectable
upright
law-abiding
legitimate
justified
reasonable
rational
sensible
prudent
cautious
careful
considerate
thoughtful
kind
gentle
mild
moderate
temperate
calm
peaceful
serene
tranquil
quiet
still
silent
motionless
inactive
dormant
inert