sinful

adjective

sin·​ful ˈsin-fəl How to pronounce sinful (audio)
1
: tainted with, marked by, or full of sin : wicked
2
: such as to make one feel guilty
a sinful chocolate cake
sinfully adverb
sinfulness noun

Examples of sinful in a Sentence

It is sinful to steal. chastised by his minister for his sinful behavior
Recent Examples on the Web The pastors were careful not to linger too long in the tedium of Biblical history, instead deploying humor and everyday references — who hasn’t had sinful thoughts while driving in Miami traffic? Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2024 To help prove their worth to the angels above, Charlie opens the Hazbin Hotel, a place where demons can work to reform their sinful behavior. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2024 Can sinful tendencies of lust move towards a loving oasis? David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2024 Part of that is because of how Medrano has shaped characters, each into their own exploration of specific, and often complex, human issues — tied together by an interrogation of what makes something — or someone — sinful. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2024 Deliberately provoking lust in another, whether by dress or behavior, is similarly sinful according to Christian tradition. Kayla Bartsch, National Review, 10 Jan. 2024 The declaration insisted that such blessings do not affirm or legitimize what the church has long considered sinful. Harry Bruinius, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Dec. 2023 Indulge in its sinful selection of layer cakes and pies—a slice of coconut cream rakes in the most rave reviews. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2023 At Harvard, pamphlets were handed out decrying gay love as sinful and evil. Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling, The New Republic, 27 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sinful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sinful was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near sinful

Cite this Entry

“Sinful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinful. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sinful

adjective
sin·​ful ˈsin-fəl How to pronounce sinful (audio)
: marked by or full of sin : wicked
sinfully adverb
sinfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sinful

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