Synonyms for

Nocturnal

Verb / nɑ:ˈktɜ:nʌl / Another word for nocturnal — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Nocturnal means active or happening during the night.

Synonyms & similar words

diurnal nightly nighttime night-owl night-loving night-dwelling night-hunting noctivagant noctambulous nightwalker nightjar night-stalking night-roaming night-prowling night-flying nyctivorous nyctophiliac nyctophilous twilight-loving crepuscular scotophilic

Synonyms by register

Formal

crepuscular night-active

Informal

night owl

Literary

vespertine nocturn

Antonyms

diurnal daytime daily circadian active during the day

Common collocations

  • nocturnal animal
  • nocturnal habits
  • nocturnal activity
  • nocturnal emissions
  • nocturnal wanderer
  • nocturnal creatures
  • nocturnal flight

Word family

noun nocturnality
adverb nocturnally

Usage note

Primarily used to describe animals that are active at night. Can also be used metaphorically for people who prefer to be active late at night.

Example sentences

  1. The bat is a nocturnal animal that sleeps during the day and hunts at night.
  2. The stars are visible in the nocturnal sky.
  3. My cat is most active during the nocturnal hours.
  4. I prefer to study in the nocturnal hours when its quiet.
  5. Many animals have adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle to avoid predators.

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