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Synonyms

drunken

American  
[druhng-kuhn] / ˈdrʌŋ kən /

adjective

  1. intoxicated; drunk.

    Synonyms:
    besotted, tipsy, inebriate
    Antonyms:
    sober
  2. given to drunkenness.

  3. pertaining to, caused by, or marked by intoxication.

    a drunken quarrel.


drunken British  
/ ˈdrʌŋkən /

adjective

  1. intoxicated with or as if with alcohol

  2. frequently or habitually drunk

  3. (prenominal) caused by or relating to alcoholic intoxication

    a drunken brawl

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

See drunk.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of drunken

Variant of drunk adj. and past participle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Sea hags have nothing on the fear of performing Nile’s drunken dancing in “The Beast in Me.”

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 8, 2026

Mr. Platner has said his now infamous chest tattoo was a drunken mistake and that he didn’t realize the symbol was associated with Nazis.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 2, 2026

"Vooaaria!" the bird croaked, a concoction of sounds that resembled a drunken old man.

From Barron's May 20, 2026

Even Richard Nixon in his darkest, and sometimes drunken, moments had the good sense, or at least the protection afforded by his aides, to keep his most sadistic thoughts private.

From Salon Apr. 8, 2026

Milkman told her the story about the drunken Yankee.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

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