Sundown vs. Sunset: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
Sunset refers to the moment the sun disappears below the horizon, marking the end of the day, while sundown is the time of day when the sun is just about to set or has just set, often referring to the twilight period.
Key Differences
Sunset is a term that specifically refers to the point in time when the sun just starts to disappear below the horizon. It’s a precise moment signaling the end of the daylight period. Sundown, on the other hand, may refer to the time when the sun is nearing the horizon but has not yet fully set, or it can also describe the time just after the sun has set.
Sundown may be associated with the entire period of decreasing light before and after the sun sets, typically involving softer and redder lights. Sunset, conversely, is commonly associated with the vivid and brilliant hues that are often visible in the sky as the sun dips below the horizon.
When people refer to sunset, they often think about the vibrant colors and the exact moment the sun disappears. Sundown is often associated more with the gradual darkening of the day and can be synonymous with dusk, highlighting the atmospheric and lighting changes occurring around the setting of the sun.
Sunset is a term that’s often used in meteorology to signify the exact time the sun will set, allowing for precise timekeeping and planning. Sundown can be seen as a less formal, more colloquial term to describe the general time frame around which the sun is setting.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Refers to the time when the sun is near the horizon, including just before and after it sets.
Signifies the moment the sun disappears below the horizon.
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Associated Time
May encompass a broader period including twilight.
Associated with a specific point in time.
Usage
More colloquial and less precise.
More formal and precise.
Connotations
Often conveys the period of decreasing light.
Often associated with vivid colors in the sky.
Synonymity
Can be synonymous with dusk.
Not typically synonymous with dusk.
Sundown and Sunset Definitions
Sundown
Sundown is the time of day when the sun is about to set or has just set.
We planned to start the campfire right after sundown.
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Sunset
Sunset is the moment the sun completely disappears below the horizon.
We watched the beautiful sunset from the beach.
Sundown
Sundown is often synonymous with the term dusk.
The streets were bathed in a golden glow at sundown.
Sunset
Sunset signifies the transition from day to night.
The city skyline looked magnificent against the backdrop of the sunset.
Sundown
Sundown can signify the approaching end of the day.
The town square was bustling with activity before sundown.
Sunset
Sunset marks the end of the day and the onset of twilight.
The sunset painted the sky with shades of orange and red.
Sundown
Sundown can refer to the period of diminishing light before and after the sun sets.
The sky was painted with hues of pink and purple during sundown.
Sunset
Sunset is often associated with the vivid colors visible in the sky as the sun sets.
The photographer captured the stunning colors of the sunset.
Sundown
Sundown can convey the atmospheric changes occurring as the sun sets.
The chill in the air became more pronounced at sundown.
Sunset
Sunset can be used to denote the exact time the sun will set.
The weather app showed the sunset would be at 7:09 pm today.
Sundown
The time of sunset.
Sunset
The event or time of the disappearance of the upper circumferential edge of the sun as it sets below the horizon.
Sundown
(US) Sunset.
We'll meet by the pier at sundown.
Sunset
The sky as the sun sets
A rosy sunset.
Sundown
(countable) A hat with a wide brim to shade the eyes from sunlight.
Sunset
A decline or final phase
The sunset of an empire.
Sundown
To experience an episode or an onset of some detrimental mental condition like agitation, anxiety, hallucination or dementia, daily at nightfall.
Sunset
(Law) The automatic expiration of a statutory provision on a previously established date, in the absence of reauthorization
The law's sunset was July 1.
Sundown
The setting of the sun; sunset.
Sunset
(Law) Providing for an automatic expiration.
Sundown
A kind of broad-brimmed sun hat worn by women.
Sunset
To expire on a previously established date, as a statutory provision.
Sundown
The time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
Sunset
To provide for the expiration of (a program or agency) by means of a sunset provision.
Sunset
The moment each evening when the sun disappears below the western horizon.
At sunset
Sunset
The changes in color of the sky before and after sunset.
Sunset
(figuratively) The final period of the life of a person or thing.
One's sunset years
Sunset
(attributively) A set termination date.
The tax increase legislation included a sunset clause requiring renewal to prevent the tax increase from expiring.
Sunset
The region where the sun sets; the west.
Sunset
To phase out.
We’ll be sunsetting version 1.9 of the software shortly after releasing version 2.0 next quarter.
Sunset
The descent of the sun below the horizon; also, the time when the sun sets; evening. Also used figuratively.
'T is the sunset of life gives me mystical lore.
Sunset
Hence, the region where the sun sets; the west.
Sunset
The time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
Sunset
Atmospheric phenomena accompanying the daily disappearance of the sun
Sunset
The daily event of the sun sinking below the horizon
Sunset
Of a declining industry or technology;
Sunset industries
Sunset
Providing for termination;
A program with a sunset provision
FAQs
Is sunset a more precise term than sundown?
Yes, sunset is often more precise, referring to a specific moment in time, whereas sundown can refer to a broader time frame.
Is the term sundown formal?
Sundown is often considered less formal and less precise compared to sunset.
Can sundown be used interchangeably with dusk?
Yes, sundown can be synonymous with dusk, referring to the time of decreasing light around sunset.
Does sundown always refer to the time before the sun sets?
No, sundown can refer to the time both before and after the sun sets.
Can the term sunset refer to the entire evening?
No, sunset specifically denotes the moment the sun sets and does not refer to the entire evening.
Can we say the colors of sundown instead of the colors of sunset?
Yes, but sundown may refer more to the lighting and atmospheric changes around the time of sunset, rather than the vivid colors often associated specifically with the moment of sunset.
What is the basic difference between sundown and sunset?
Sunset refers to the exact moment the sun disappears below the horizon, while sundown can refer to the time around the setting of the sun, including just before and just after it sets.
Can sunset be used to refer to the time after the sun has set?
Typically, no. Sunset specifically refers to the moment the sun disappears below the horizon.
Is it appropriate to use sundown in scientific contexts?
Sunset is usually preferred in scientific contexts due to its precision in denoting the exact time of the sun setting.
Can sundown be used to describe the time when the sun is near the horizon?
Yes, sundown can refer to the time when the sun is near the horizon, including just before and after it sets.
Is sundown a colloquial term?
Yes, sundown is often more colloquial and general compared to the more formal and precise term sunset.
Is sunset synonymous with dusk?
No, sunset refers to the moment the sun sets, while dusk is the period of decreasing light following sunset.
Does the term sunset refer to a specific point in time?
Yes, sunset specifically denotes the moment the sun disappears below the horizon.
Does the term sundown relate to atmospheric changes?
Yes, sundown can convey the atmospheric and lighting changes occurring as the sun sets.
Can we calculate the time of sundown?
While sunset can be precisely calculated, sundown is more general and refers to the time around sunset, making it less exact.
Does sunset always involve visible colors in the sky?
While sunset is often associated with vivid colors, various factors like weather conditions may affect the visibility of colors during a sunset.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
