What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sullen
Example
He gave me a sullen look and refused to speak. [sullen: adjective]
Example
The sullen weather matched my mood perfectly. [sullen: adjective]
Example
The party had a sullen atmosphere, and no one seemed to be enjoying themselves. [sullen: adjective]
morose
Example
He became increasingly morose after his wife's death. [morose: adjective]
Example
The movie had a morose ending that left me feeling sad. [morose: adjective]
Example
The morose atmosphere in the office made it difficult to work efficiently. [morose: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sullen is more common than morose in everyday language. Sullen is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while morose is less common and more formal, often used in literature or academic writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sullen and morose?
Morose is more formal than sullen and is often used in literature or academic writing. Sullen is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.