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 Building a lexicon around shame creates an easy dichotomy − one that separates foods, and our desire for them, into good and bad, sinful and pure, moral and amoral. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2024 To the media and many public observers, the tragedy cemented the architect’s sinful character. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2024 The true conservative acknowledges the fallibility and sinful nature of every human. John Hatzis, National Review, 13 Sep. 2024 Engaging in it as a fun hobby comes off as oblivious, even sinful. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 19 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for sinful 

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 5 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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