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Synonyms for

Wan

Adjective / wɑ:n / Another word for wan — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

looking pale and sickly

Synonyms & similar words

pale pallid sick wideareanetwork wan pale ashen pasty sickly white ashen-faced blanched bloodless dull faded haggard lusterless pallid sallow waning washed-out weak worn-out ash-colored cadaverous

Synonyms by register

Formal

pale ashen pallid sallow

Informal

washed-out sickly peaky lackluster

Literary

livid waning

Antonyms

bright healthy rosy vibrant flushed ruddy radiant

Common collocations

  • wan smile
  • wan face
  • wan complexion
  • wan light
  • wan and weary
  • wan and weak
  • wan and pale

Word family

adjective wan
adverb wanly

Usage note

Often used to describe a pale or sickly complexion, or a weak or faint light. It can also describe a lack of energy or vitality.

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Example sentences

  1. He looked wan and exhausted after staying up all night.
  2. The flowers in the garden were looking a bit wan.
  3. She felt wan after her long flight.
  4. The patient's face was wan and gaunt.
  5. The sky was a wan gray color on that cloudy day.

Quotes

  • Her wan face showed that she had been ill for a long time.
  • The wan light of the moon illuminated the dark night sky.
  • The wan smile on her face showed that she was not feeling well.

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