Definition

In a way that suggests something evil or harmful is happening or will happen.

Example

He smiled sinisterly, making everyone feel uneasy.

Conversation

Did you see that movie where the villain smiles sinisterly?

Yeah, it was really creepy how he did that.

I couldn't look away; it was so intense!

Totally! It made the whole film feel more thrilling.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sinisterly → It is formed from "sinister" (from Latin "sinister", meaning left or on the left side, often associated with bad luck or evil) and "-ly" (a suffix meaning in a manner of). The word "sinisterly" means in a manner that is suggestive of evil or harm, often associated with something left-handed or unlucky.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'sinister' which relates to something 'left' or 'evil' — and the '-ly' indicates the manner. So, when you hear 'sinisterly', imagine something being done in an evil or harmful way.

Visually Confused Words