Find Synonyms

sullen Synonyms

Another word for sullen

Choosing another word for sullen depends on context, so the 17 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

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

Usage Example

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

Strongest
sulky
morose
glum
surly
Strong
brooding
dour
moody
resentful
petulant
Weak
surlily

• adjective (Context 2)

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

Usage Example

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

Strongest
gloomy
dismal
dreary
Strong
somber
leaden
bleak
overcast

Opposites of sullen

The opposite of sullen shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

cheerful
bright
genial
good-humored
sunny
radiant
jovial
amiable
See all opposites of sullen

• Nearby Words

sulkily
sulkiness
sulky
sullen
sullenly
sullenness
sully

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Sullen. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/sullen
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