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
- Gloomy; dismal; foreboding.
- Sluggish; slow.
- (in the plural) Sullen feelings or manners; sulks; moroseness.
- (obsolete) Mischievous; malignant; unpropitious.
- (obsolete) Obstinate; intractable.
- (archaic) One who is solitary, or lives alone; a hermit.
- (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
- sullener
- sullenest
- sullens
- sullening
- sullened
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.