sulking 1 of 2

sulking

2 of 2

verb

present participle of sulk
as in pouting
to silently go about in a bad mood the toddler would sulk for hours whenever he didn't get his way

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sulking
Adjective
His owner shared a viral TikTok sound over the clip, from when another owner went through the very same thing with her own sulking dog. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
With that goal in mind, Dijkstra has constructed a scheme to ensure that King Radovid stops drinking and sulking over Jaskier and embraces his role as one of the few remaining leaders who can oppose Emhyr’s army. Scott Meslow, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025 Jets Mike McDaniel’s slow, sulking walk off the field was just sad, which about sums up the Dolphins this season. Chad Graff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 Still, Brown did not spend his offseason sulking. Sean Gregory, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024 No one is going to get better by sulking. Jim Ingraham, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sulking
Adjective
  • Still, Ortega’s performance proves that sulky, baleful gravity doesn’t have to lose its strange luster over time (a third season has already been announced).
    Tom Gliatto, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Founder Max Siegelman drew upon his family’s harness racing roots thanks to the boarding and teaching facility for the sport involving the powerful animal, a sulky and human direction that dates to the 1800s in the US.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This was followed by a shot of them all pouting as Landon and Alabama flashed peace signs and their dad took his turn to flip off the camera.
    Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Grande unveiled her new (old) hair color in an October 29 Instagram post, pouting in a mirror selfie with her classic cat-eye makeup and cascading brown hair.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But the day remained gray, shrouded, and sullen.
    Joel M. Vance, Outdoor Life, 29 Oct. 2025
  • He’s been sullen all day, sunk in his collar, his face disdainful.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Now our favorite scowling friend is getting his own movie, too.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 15 Oct. 2025
  • In terms of my entry point to him, just understanding that this wasn’t a monster that was going to be scowling in the shadows and looking for any opportunity to hurt someone.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sulking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sulking. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.

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