ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Sullen

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈsʌlən/ · Part of speech adjective

Quick meaning: Sullen is an adjective meaning Having a brooding ill temper; sulky.

Meaning

Having a brooding ill temper; sulky.

More Meanings

  1. Gloomy; dismal; foreboding.
  2. Sluggish; slow.
  3. (in the plural) Sullen feelings or manners; sulks; moroseness.
  4. (obsolete) Mischievous; malignant; unpropitious.
  5. (obsolete) Obstinate; intractable.
  6. (archaic) One who is solitary, or lives alone; a hermit.
  7. (obsolete) To make sullen.

Example Sentences

a sullen atmosphere
And sullen I forsook the imperfect feast.
Our solemn hymns to sullen dirges change;
The larger [stream] was placid, and even sullen, in its course.

Word Forms

Synonyms for sullen

Depending on context, synonyms include glum, gloomy, grouchy, gruff, ill-tempered, ill-humored.

Antonyms for sullen

Common opposites include cheerful, content, lighthearted, pleased.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include morose, glum, saturnine, moody, ill-natured, dour.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.