What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sinister
Example
The sinister figure in the dark alley made me feel uneasy. [sinister: adjective]
Example
He had a sinister motive for his actions. [sinister: adjective]
Example
The dark clouds and lightning gave the scene a sinister atmosphere. [sinister: adjective]
foreboding
Example
I had a foreboding sense that something terrible was going to happen. [foreboding: noun]
Example
The dark and eerie forest gave me a foreboding feeling. [foreboding: adjective]
Example
The sudden silence in the room was a foreboding sign of trouble. [foreboding: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foreboding is less common than sinister in everyday language. Sinister is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while foreboding is more specific and tends to be used in literary or creative writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sinister and foreboding?
Both sinister and foreboding are associated with a formal tone and are typically used in serious or dramatic contexts. However, sinister may be more commonly used in informal speech or writing as well.
