drunken
7 synonyms and 1 antonym for drunken, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Intoxicated with alcohol; drunk.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use drunken
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a drunken stupor
drunken behaviour
drunken sailor
Etymology
From Old English druncen, the past participle of drincan ("to drink") — literally "having drunk".
Full origin of drunken →Frequently asked questions
What does “drunken” mean?
The word “drunken” means intoxicated with alcohol; drunk. In plain terms, describes someone or something under the influence of alcohol, or behaviour typical of that state.
How do you pronounce “drunken”?
“Drunken” is pronounced DRUHNG-kuhn (/ˈdɹʌŋkən/ in IPA).
How do you use “drunken” in a sentence?
Here is “drunken” used in a sentence: “A drunken man stumbled out of the pub singing.”
What is another word for “drunken”?
Words with a similar meaning to “drunken” include drunk.
What part of speech is “drunken”?
Depending on how it is used, “drunken” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “drunken” come from?
The word “drunken” comes from Old English. From Old English druncen, the past participle of drincan ("to drink") — literally "having drunk".
Is “drunken” a common word?
“Drunken” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “drunken” have?
“Drunken” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: intoxicated with alcohol; drunk.
What is the difference between drunk and drunken?
Drunk is generally used after a verb to describe a person's state, as in 'he was drunk,' while drunken is used before a noun to describe something associated with or caused by drunkenness, as in 'a drunken argument.' Drunken can also describe things rather than people, such as a drunken stagger or a drunken brawl.
Can drunken describe things other than people?
Yes, drunken is often used to describe actions, behavior, or events that are caused by or typical of being drunk, such as 'drunken driving' or 'a drunken celebration,' even when no single person is the direct subject.
Is drunken a formal or informal word?
Drunken is a standard descriptive adjective usable in both formal and informal writing, though it often carries a slightly literary or disapproving tone compared to the more neutral 'drunk.'
