madden

verb

mad·​den ˈma-dᵊn How to pronounce madden (audio)
maddened; maddening ˈmad-niŋ How to pronounce madden (audio)
ˈma-dᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of maddennext

intransitive verb

: to become or act as if mad

transitive verb

1
: to disturb or drive mad
2
: to make intensely angry : enrage

Examples of madden in a Sentence

the endless swarms of mosquitoes all but maddened the explorers her perpetual tardiness maddened her friends to no end
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.
Most people have experienced the maddening grind of trying to fix a billing mistake, appeal an insurance decision or schedule a medical appointment, only to be pulled into a maze of forms, portals and hold music. Nitin Ware, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026 The core concept is no doubt still maddening to plenty of Christians who would like Santa left alone. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2025 That maddening tie against Green Bay, and the inexcusable home loss against the Arizona Cardinals, have the potential to haunt this team right out of any chance at a meaningful game in the middle of December. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Nov. 2025 Per the synopsis, her interactions with her family, lovers and friends will take the audience on a tour of lives crumbling under maddening pressure on a stormy day in Mexico City. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for madden

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of madden was in 1704

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Madden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/madden. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

madden

verb
mad·​den ˈmad-ᵊn How to pronounce madden (audio)
: to make mad : enrage

More from Merriam-Webster on madden

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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