sulking
Nursing a grudge
Sulking is brooding in silence, typically after being offended or not getting one's way.
It's a form of passive displeasure—refusing to engage cheerfully while making sure others notice the unhappiness.
Children sulk when denied treats; adults sulk after arguments.
The behavior suggests wounded pride mixed with a desire for attention or apology.
He spent the afternoon sulking in his room after being told he couldn't go.
Sullen in expression
petulant · huffy · grumpy · churlish · peevish · fretful · touchy · miffed
Showing petulant displeasure
- frowningFacial expression of displeasure
- scowlingFrowning with disapproval
- gloweringStaring with displeasure
- cold shoulderIntentional dismissive treatment
silent treatment · eye-rolling · sighing · huffing · crossed arms · turned back · hangdog · downcast
Anxiously dwelling on something
- ruminatingThinking deeply, repeatedly
- dwellingPlace of residence
- stewingCooking low and slow
- festeringBecoming infected, decaying
inward-looking · preoccupied · withdrawn · silent treatment · uncommunicative · incommunicado · shutting down · retreating
pouty
Sullen in expression
glum · petulant · huffy · grumpy · churlish · peevish · fretful · touchy · miffed · in a huff
pouting
Showing petulant displeasure
- frowningFacial expression of displeasure
- scowlingFrowning with disapproval
- gloweringStaring with displeasure
cold shoulder · silent treatment · eye-rolling · sighing · huffing · crossed arms · turned back · hangdog · downcast · long-faced
brooding
Anxiously dwelling on something
- ruminatingThinking deeply, repeatedly
- dwellingPlace of residence
- stewingCooking low and slow
festering · inward-looking · preoccupied · withdrawn · silent treatment · uncommunicative · incommunicado · shutting down · retreating · isolating
- acting outtantrums, tantrum, meltdowns, pouting, whining
- bratty behaviortantrum, whining, pouting, backtalk, sass
- discontentdissatisfaction, displeasure, discontentment, unhappiness, frustration
- emotional expressiontone, laughing, mood, yelling, crying
- petty behaviorsspite, malice, meanness, nastiness, bitterness
- slang behaviorsgoofing off, messing around, fooling around, horsing around, slacking
sulkingspeaking up
Voicing your thoughts
confronting · having it out · airing grievances · asserting oneself · clearing the air
sulkingengaging
Pleasantly attractive, compelling attention
socializing · participating · mingling · joining in · contributing