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
Relevance
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
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 sullen
The collection of slab-like columns by Derek McLane, lit in sickly, sullen colors by Natasha Katz, could be anywhere.
—
Jesse Green, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025
My partner came home from work to find a sullen child whimpering in his room.
—Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2025
In the film, Adèle Haenel plays Héloïse, a sullen 18th-century French daughter of privilege, and Noémie Merlant plays Marianne, the adventurous artist hired to paint her.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2025
Madison, whose full name is Mikaela Madison Rosberg, first rose to fame for the role of a sullen teenager in the FX comedy Better Things.
—Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sullen
Jesse Green, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025
My partner came home from work to find a sullen child whimpering in his room.
—Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2025
In the film, Adèle Haenel plays Héloïse, a sullen 18th-century French daughter of privilege, and Noémie Merlant plays Marianne, the adventurous artist hired to paint her.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2025
Madison, whose full name is Mikaela Madison Rosberg, first rose to fame for the role of a sullen teenager in the FX comedy Better Things.
—Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sullen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sullen
Adjective
-
Despite the somber subject matter, cruise ship visitors shouldn’t hesitate to make the museum a priority.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Dedicated to the 184 victims who died at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77 during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the somber National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial features 184 illuminated benches situated among 84 Crepe Myrtle trees.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
This bleak vision of Hollywood makes for a fascinating backdrop.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
5 May 2025
-
If Southampton fail to eke out a point on Saturday in the clash of the doomed, things look decidedly bleak.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
It is believed to reduce pain and inflammation, and has been used for treatment of back pain, high blood pressure, arthritis, migraines, and irritable bowel disease.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
4 Apr. 2025
-
And even in what was a stilted match played in an increasingly irritable atmosphere, Rogers and Tielemans delivered with an assist each.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The report tracks a decline in social connections—especially among young people—and shows that half of adults are lonely, linking it to billions of dollars in health care costs.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Ruth Buzzi, who was so hilarious as the lonely spinster Gladys Ormphby, the lady who swung her handbag as a lethal weapon, on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, has died.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
Playing Dawn Summers, Trachtenberg joined the show in 2000, as Buffy's younger sister, who was at times bratty, sulky, and a bit of a klutz — but nonetheless offered a new and exciting sibling dynamic for the show to explore.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Horse race At the harness racing week on the Freehold Raceway in New Jersey: a reverse race with the sulky fixed in front of the horse - 1930.—
Contessa Brewer,
CNBC,
31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Even among those who said the pandemic had no long-term effects on their friendships, 38% still reported depressive symptoms.—
Mary Frances Ruskell,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
-
Some studies suggest that kids who are more likely to seek out adult content could struggle with lower self-esteem, emotional problems, body image concerns, or depressive symptoms.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Only this time, the cheerleader and the zombie are camp counselors for a group of surly vampires.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Dunn is one of the best point-of-attack defending guards in the NBA, and his quickness, long arms and surly personality on the floor gave Murray issues.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Large amounts of larvae were in dark crevices inside the homes, including under appliances or furniture.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
10 May 2025
-
Where to watch: Max 'Another Simple Favor' In Paul Feig's dark comedy mystery sequel, crime-solving mommy vlogger Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) is shocked when fresh-out-of-jail frenemy Emily (Blake Lively) invites her to be maid of honor at her wedding in Capri.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sullen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sullen. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share