sullen
12 synonyms and 4 antonyms for sullen, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Gloomy, silent, and bad-tempered.
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 sullen
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a sullen mood
sullen silence
sullen expression
Etymology
From Middle English soleyn, "alone," from Old French sole, "single." The meaning shifted from "solitary" to "morose" during Middle English.
Full origin of sullen →Frequently asked questions
What does “sullen” mean?
The word “sullen” means gloomy, silent, and bad-tempered. In plain terms, quietly bad-tempered and withdrawn, often with a look of resentment.
How do you pronounce “sullen”?
“Sullen” is pronounced SUH-luhn (/ˈsʌlən/ in IPA).
How do you use “sullen” in a sentence?
Here is “sullen” used in a sentence: “He gave a sullen nod and said nothing else.”
What is another word for “sullen”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sullen” include glum, gloomy, grouchy, gruff, ill-tempered and ill-humored.
What is the opposite of “sullen”?
The opposite of “sullen” — its antonyms — are cheerful, content, lighthearted and pleased.
What part of speech is “sullen”?
“Sullen” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sullen” come from?
The word “sullen” comes from Old French. From Middle English soleyn, "alone," from Old French sole, "single." The meaning shifted from "solitary" to "morose" during Middle English.
