What does "sinecure" mean?
A position that requires little to no work, or easy work, but still gives an ample payment; a cushy job.
Sinecure
/ˈsaɪ.nəˌkjʊɹ/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A position that requires little to no work, or easy work, but still gives an ample payment; a cushy job.
- Grammar: sinecure is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: breeze, cinch, cushy arrangement, cushy post.
- Useful contrasts: difficult assignment, difficult route, hard job.
- Usage evidence: Mr Croft was comfortable with his cushy sinecure.
How to use "sinecure"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sinecure" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "sinecure" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "sinecure" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "sinecure" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A position that requires little to no work, or easy work, but still gives an ample payment; a cushy job.
"Miss Briggs was not formally dismissed, but her place as companion was a sinecure and a derision […]"
- 2 an office that involves minimal duties wordnet
- 3 An ecclesiastical benefice without the care of souls. historical
- 4 a benefice to which no spiritual or pastoral duties are attached wordnet
Verb
- 1 To put or place in a sinecure. transitive
Adjective
- 1 Requiring no work for an ample reward. not-comparable
"By the act of union (1800), the offices of Irish secretary, a sinecure post, and lord lieutenant's secretary were combined."
- 2 Having the appearance of functionality without being of any actual use or purpose. not-comparable
"The old man hastily pulled down his spectacles from their sinecure office on his forehead, and looked at her with an expression of most angry amazement."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
difficult assignmentdifficult routehard jobhard path
Example
"Mr Croft was comfortable with his cushy sinecure."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sinecure"?
Common synonyms include: breeze, cinch, cushy arrangement, cushy post, easy job, easy path.
How do you use "sinecure" in a sentence?
Mr Croft was comfortable with his cushy sinecure.
How do you pronounce "sinecure"?
Pronounced /ˈsaɪ.nəˌkjʊɹ/.
Etymology
From Ecclesiastical Latin sine cūrā (literally “without care”), ellipsis of beneficium sine cūrā (“benefice without cure [of souls, i.e. the office of a curate]”), formed from Medieval Latin sine (“without”) + cūrā (“care, charge, cure”).