NOCTURNAL Synonyms: 9 Similar and Opposite Words

nocturnal

adjective

näk-ˈtər-nᵊl

Definition of nocturnal

as in night

of, relating to, or occurring in the night he bought a new telescope so he could pursue his favorite nocturnal hobby of astronomy

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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.

Recent Examples of nocturnal Opossums are nocturnal and prefer the cover of darkness, so a sudden burst of light may deter them from foraging around your property. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 This is because the infrastructure of the city traps in all of the heat that built up during the day, thus preventing a normal nocturnal cooldown seen in non-urban settings. — Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 29 June 2026 People should not approach wild animals that appear sick, injured, or dead, including nocturnal species such as bats and raccoons that are active during daylight hours. — Kelli Arseneau, USA Today, 1 July 2026 The nocturnal moth is a central focus in her Spring/Summer 2026 offering, the designer finding herself fascinated by the way a creature that spends its existence in darkness is still so constantly drawn to light. — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nocturnal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nocturnal

Adjective

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees are set to headline California’s Beachlife Festival, followed by a multi-night Las Vegas residency at the Fontainebleau that will be followed by a month-long run through Europe.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026
Book a pre-night hotel stay after overnight flights.

— Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025

Definition of night

Adjective

The measure passed in a post-midnight session by unanimous consent, meaning no members objected.

— CBS News, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
The post-midnight announcement came after signs of a rift among Iranian officials as the country awaited a decision by the 88-seat Assembly of Experts, a group of clerics that selects the supreme leader.

— Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026

Definition of midnight

Browse Nearby Words

noctambulists

nocturnal

nocuous

See all Nearby Words

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“Nocturnal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nocturnal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of nocturnal

adjective

Example Sentences

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