What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
villainous
Example
The villainous character in the movie was always up to no good. [villainous: adjective]
Example
He had a villainous plan to steal from the bank. [villainous: adjective]
sinister
Example
The dark alley had a sinister feel to it. [sinister: adjective]
Example
The sinister stranger made her feel uneasy. [sinister: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sinister is more commonly used than villainous in everyday language. Sinister is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while villainous is less common and is often associated with fictional characters or stories.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between villainous and sinister?
Both villainous and sinister are typically associated with a formal tone, but sinister can also be used in informal contexts.
