Antonyms for sullen


Grammar : Adj
Spell : suhl-uhn
Phonetic Transcription : ˈsʌl ən


Definition of sullen

Origin :
  • 1570s, alteration of Middle English soleyn "unique, singular," from Anglo-French *solein, formed on the pattern of Old French soltain, from Old French soul "single" (see sole (n.2)). The sense shift in Middle English from "solitary" to "morose" occurred late 14c.
  • adj brooding, upset
Example sentences :
  • After the first outburst a sullen anger took possession of the race-goers.
  • Extract from : « Thoroughbreds » by W. A. Fraser
  • But the sullen boy only muttered that she was wise a little too late.
  • Extract from : « The Paradise of Children » by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • Are you mistress of the petulant, the peevish, and the sullen tone?
  • Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 4 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth
  • "Pray do not be foolish, Proserpina," said he, in rather a sullen tone.
  • Extract from : « Tanglewood Tales » by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • Again there was the obvious double meaning in his sullen tone.
  • Extract from : « In the Valley » by Harold Frederic
  • While the conquered were still, sullen, and dejected, the victors triumphed.
  • Extract from : « The Last of the Mohicans » by James Fenimore Cooper
  • On them the dark machinations of witchcraft, and the sullen spirits of darkness have no power.
  • Extract from : « Imogen » by William Godwin
  • From my perch I could see the sullen heavy walls of a ridge.
  • Extract from : « Astounding Stories of Super-Science, November, 1930 » by Various
  • Something like a smile lit up the face of the sullen woman when she said.
  • Extract from : « Vivian Grey » by Earl of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli
  • But now he is strong and sullen, and he is fighting for his life at the cost of mine.
  • Extract from : « Alexander's Bridge and The Barrel Organ » by Willa Cather and Alfred Noyes

Synonyms for sullen

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019