wan
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for wan, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Pale and looking unwell or tired.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Pale and looking unwell or tired.
“She looked wan and exhausted after the long flight.”
Opposites
2. adj
Faint or weak, as of light or a smile.
“He managed a wan smile despite the bad news.”
Opposites
Etymology
From Old English wann, meaning "dark" or "dusky" — the sense shifted over time from darkness to the pale, drained look of illness.
Full origin of wan →Frequently asked questions
What does “wan” mean?
The word “wan” means pale and looking unwell or tired. In plain terms, looking pale, tired, or drained — used for faces, smiles, or light.
How do you pronounce “wan”?
“Wan” is pronounced won (/wɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “wan” in a sentence?
Here is “wan” used in a sentence: “She looked wan and exhausted after the long flight.”
What part of speech is “wan”?
“Wan” is an adjective.
Where does the word “wan” come from?
The word “wan” comes from Old English. From Old English wann, meaning "dark" or "dusky" — the sense shifted over time from darkness to the pale, drained look of illness.
Is “wan” a common word?
“Wan” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “wan” have?
“Wan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: pale and looking unwell or tired.
What is the difference between wan and pale?
Wan specifically suggests looking unwell or tired, often carrying a sense of sickliness, while pale simply describes a lighter-than-usual skin tone that may or may not indicate illness. Someone can be pale from lack of sun without looking wan, but wan almost always implies looking drained or unwell.
Is wan a common or literary word?
Wan is more commonly found in literary or descriptive writing than in everyday conversation, where words like pale or tired are more typical. It tends to appear in fiction and poetry to add a slightly formal, evocative tone.
