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Definition of sullen

sullen

/ˈsʌl.ən/
sul · len
Adverb:sullenly
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sullen Lexical Profile

sullen Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

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

Example

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

2

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

Example

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

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

sulkily
sulkiness
sulky
sullen
sullenly
sullenness
sully

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English solain ('solitary, unsociable'), borrowed from Anglo-Norman solein ('lonely, single'), ultimately from Vulgar Latin *solanus, a derivative of Latin solus ('alone'). The sense shifted from being alone to being unsociably gloomy or ill-tempered.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sullen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sullen
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