sunken

adjective

sunk·​en ˈsəŋ-kən How to pronounce sunken (audio)
Synonyms of sunkennext
1
: submerged
especially : lying at the bottom of a body of water
2
a
: hollow, recessed
sunken cheeks
b
: lying in a depression
a sunken garden
c
: settled below the normal level
d
: constructed below the normal floor level
a sunken living room

Synonyms of sunken

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Examples of sunken in a Sentence

Her eyes were sunken and lifeless. our convalescing guest's sunken cheeks soon filled out on a diet of my mother's cooking
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the center sits an expansive salon with a large dining table, a sunken lounge, and a sculptural staircase leading to the owner’s deck. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026 Its sunken gardens and swimming pool promised comfort, while a blast door, escape hatches and air filtration protected against nuclear fallout. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 The sunken living room bridges the rebuilt 1930s house and its new addition. — Laura Fenton, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2026 Originally planned with welcoming guests and family as a high priority, the finished, 1,763-square-foot lower level adds a five-stool wet bar, a games area, a sunken home theater and extra storage opportunities. — Richard Lane, Des Moines Register, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sunken

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sonkyn, past participle of sinken to sink

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunken was in the 15th century

Rhymes for sunken

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Browse Nearby Words

sunk cost
sunken
sunk enamel
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Cite this Entry

“Sunken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunken. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sunken

adjective
sunk·​en ˈsəŋ-kən How to pronounce sunken (audio)
1
: being submerged
especially : lying at the bottom of a body of water
sunken ships
2
: fallen in : hollow
sunken cheeks
3
a
: lying in a depression
a sunken garden
b
: constructed below the normal floor level
a sunken living room
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