1
as in somber
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
sullen skies that matched our mood on the day of the funeral
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pouting
given to or displaying a resentful silence and often irritability
sullen and bored at his in-laws' house, he couldn't wait for the holidays to end
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sullen
But the boy had become impatient and sullen, his hands shoved in the pockets of his jacket.
—
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
Although Robbins could be talkative and engaging particularly when discussing his hometown Houston sports teams, there were also periods of sullen silence and self-medication.
—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Teenagers do not, as a rule, have to go through a sullen phase.
—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Belif Aqua Bomb Cooling Eye Gel The Belif Aqua Bomb Cooling Eye Gel is a lightweight, multi-benefit formula that treats puffy, dull, or otherwise sullen-looking skin beneath the eyes.
—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sullen
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
Although Robbins could be talkative and engaging particularly when discussing his hometown Houston sports teams, there were also periods of sullen silence and self-medication.
—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Teenagers do not, as a rule, have to go through a sullen phase.
—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Belif Aqua Bomb Cooling Eye Gel The Belif Aqua Bomb Cooling Eye Gel is a lightweight, multi-benefit formula that treats puffy, dull, or otherwise sullen-looking skin beneath the eyes.
—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sullen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sullen
Adjective
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The film breathes in a dynamic way, the last few beats taking a startling turn toward a somber wistfulness.
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The hilltop De Smet Cemetery strikes a somber note.
Adjective
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The symptoms are so delayed that people often blame them on food poisoning, irritable-bowel syndrome, gluten intolerance.
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Cancer could be affectionate and chatty one moment, and withdrawn and irritable the next, with little to no explanation.
Adjective
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The goofy sketch comedies and homemade spoofs that once filled his channel gradually disappeared, replaced by melancholy short films and bleak monologues.
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Cher’s court documents paint a bleak picture of how Allman, 49, allegedly blows through his $120,000 annual trust distributions.
Adjective
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Skillfully carrying the tale as Kimberly is Ann Morrison, marvelously placing the qualities of a bubbly when not sulky teen in the voice and body of an older woman.
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Keep an eye out for chartreuses, browns, and bright sky blues, along with sulky mauves and beiges in a plaster finish.
Adjective
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His lonely life away from friends Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) included sleeping under the stairs.
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Thrown into the thick of a ballet season, the dancer explained that there wasn’t time to be lonely.
Adjective
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Or a surly, vengeful Robin Hood, by Kevin Costner.
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The ones who did were a bit sour and surly.
Adjective
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Two-thirds of respondents afflicted with alpha-gal reported anxiety or depressive disorders in a 2025 University of Missouri survey.
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There are four basic types of the disorder, which are characterized by periods of elation and hyperactivity known as manic episodes, which are then followed by depressive stages where the patient experiences feelings of sadness and depression.
Adjective
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While Jolie-Pitt's cameo in the teaser was only a few seconds long, her pouty lip and bright blue eyes unmistakably bore a striking resemblance to Jolie's.
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None of their full faces are shown — only close-ups of pouty lips, sleek updos, fierce manicures, etc.
Cite this Entry
“Sullen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sullen. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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