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 This can trigger strange responses from wildlife, with animals that are typically nocturnal coming out to see what's going on, confused about why night arrived at what feels like the wrong time. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Instead, opt for a dimmer yellow light, or—even better—a red light that nocturnal insects can’t see. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026 Novelist, musician, and filmmaker Eliza Barry Callahan turns genre on its ear, with voluptuous nocturnal celluloid cinematography by Alfonso Herrera Salcedo. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026 Artificial nighttime illumination can alter the behavior of migratory birds, insects and other nocturnal species that rely on moonlight and starlight to navigate, feed and reproduce, the coalition says. — Jean Lee, NBC news, 6 Aug. 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

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“Nocturnal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nocturnal. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of nocturnal

adjective

Example Sentences

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