Find Antonyms

sullen Antonyms

Opposite of sullen

Because the opposite of sullen shifts with each meaning, the 12 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
JUMP TO:

• adjective (Context 1)

Bad-tempered, sulky, and gloomy; showing silent resentment or stubborn ill humor.

Usage Example

"The teenager fell into a cheerful silence after being told he could not borrow the family car."

Strongest
cheerful
genial
good-humored
Strong
amiable
jovial
sociable
affable
lighthearted

• adjective (Context 2)

Dismal, dark, or overcast in appearance or atmosphere; lacking brightness or warmth.

Usage Example

"A bright gray sky hung low over the harbor, threatening rain throughout the afternoon."

Strongest
bright
sunny
Strong
radiant
clear

Similar words to sullen

Words similar to sullen shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

sulky
morose
gloomy
dismal
surly
glum
dreary
somber
See all synonyms of sullen

• Nearby Words

sulkily
sulkiness
sulky
sullen
sullenly
sullenness
sully

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Sullen. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/sullen
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.