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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


sullen

adjective

Definition: showing anger by refusing to talk or participate

Synonyms: brooding, cross, crabby, dismal, grumpy, pouting, silent, morose, sulky, reserved, gloomy, cheerless

Antonyms: cheerful, happy, pleasant

Tips: Sullen is derived from Old French soul, which means "single." Think, "single or solitary." Sullen describes people who are ill-tempered, silent, and often would like to be by themselves. Sullen is similar in meaning to morose. See morose for a detailed analysis.

Usage Examples:

His sullen neighbor never spoke to him. (grumpy, silent, reserved)

She became sullen after her husband's rude comment. (crabby, brooding, sulky)

Because of hormonal changes, many teenagers become sullen and moody. (crabby, grumpy, morose)

I think her sullen behavior comes from a need for attention; she just wants everyone to ask her what's wrong. (pouting, morose, sulky)


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