SUNLESS Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

sunless

adjective

ˈsən-ləs

Definition of sunless

as in dark

causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer mental patients who were once condemned to spend their lives in the sunless confines of a state asylum

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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 sunless To avoid a rash, reduce other risks of tanning, and protect your overall skin health, consider switching to a sunless self-tanner. — Carrie Madormo, Health, 24 Oct. 2025 Earth’s substantial atmosphere and geomagnetic field block most (but not all) of this bombardment, and the sunless interiors of worlds without these properties still get protection from overlying material. — Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 17 Aug. 2025 As a safer alternative, many people opt for sunless tanning methods such as fake tan products or sprays. — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025 The setting is oppressive — cramped, sunless rooms in which workers push out pant after pant, shirt after shirt, vest after vest — but Wang’s gaze is never pitiful or exploitative. — Devika Girish, New York Times, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sunless

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sunless

Adjective

Skywatchers should find dark locations and look north, as the aurora's intensity also hinges on the solar wind's magnetic field orientation.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
And in a dark time for the world, a magnificent tournament helped make the world feel a little smaller.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of dark

Adjective

That’s why even a creator with millions of followers can be lonely inside a system.

— Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
One problem with all these efforts to mitigate old-age loneliness, Schiller notes, is that the loneliest generation is actually Gen Z.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of lonely

Adjective

However desolate Mars may appear from afar, there is certainly no shortage of activity on its surface — or discoveries still waiting to be made.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 17 July 2026
Despite the property damage, the New Jersey meteorite fragments are a rare reminder that asteroids aren’t always desolate, inert rocks.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 July 2026

Definition of desolate

Adjective

Unlike more overtly depressive takes on this role, Bos’ Hamlet is impetuous and sardonic, often bounding up three stairs in a single step and unspooling his words, words, words as if his mouth can’t keep up with his restless mind.

— Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), the largest and longest-running study of the menopause transition, shows women are significantly more likely to report high depressive symptoms during perimenopause than before it.

— Dr. Sarah Berg, Time, 9 July 2026

Definition of depressive

Adjective

The song arrives alongside a cinematic, albeit somewhat depressing, video directed by Mikai Karl and starring distinctive French character actor Denis Lavant (Beau Travail, Mauvais Sang).

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 15 July 2026
In addition to which, the Moon is lined up with stern Saturn, which can be depressing.

— Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 July 2026

Definition of depressing

Adjective

The contrast of Mariama’s experience makes Stella’s life look practically as somber and sordid as a film noir, where no one can be trusted and tragedy lurks from all sides.

— Elena Lazic, Variety, 15 July 2026
This somber Australian chiller, done in an exceptionally authentic faux-doc style, follows a family trying to piece together unexplainable supernatural events in the aftermath of their daughter’s tragic, seemingly accidental death.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026

Definition of somber

Adjective

Video from both sides showed large plumes of grey smoke billowing into the sky.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Whether your particular version of gray hair is bright white, a steely salt-and-pepper, or somewhere stunningly in-between, certain cuts bring out the dimension of your shade and the best of your texture.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 17 July 2026

Definition of gray

Browse Nearby Words

sun lamps

sunless

sunlight

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“Sunless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sunless. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sunless

adjective

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