How do you pronounce "sinister"?

In American English: /ˈsɪnɪstɝ/ (SIN-ist-ur). In British English: /sˈɪnɪstə/ (S-in-ist). In Canadian English: /ˈsɪnɪstɝ/ (SIN-ist-ur). In Australian English: /sˈɪnɪstə/ (S-in-ist).

Is "sinister" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈsɪnɪstɝ/ (SIN-ist-ur), while in British English it's /sˈɪnɪstə/ (S-in-ist).

How to Pronounce "sinister"

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sinister

regional

/ˈsɪnɪstɝ/

SIN-ist-ur

Syllable Breakdown

sɪnsin·ɪstis·ɝter

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14