sudden

adjective

Save Word

sud·den | \ ˈsə-dᵊn

Definition of sudden

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : happening or coming unexpectedly a sudden shower

b : changing angle or character all at once a sudden drop in the ocean bottom

2 : marked by or manifesting abruptness or haste a sudden departure

3 : made or brought about in a short time : prompt

sudden

noun

Definition of sudden (Entry 2 of 2)

obsolete

: an unexpected occurrence : emergency

all of a sudden or less commonly on a sudden

: sooner than was expected : at once

Other Words from sudden Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About sudden

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms & Antonyms for sudden

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for sudden

Adjective

precipitate, headlong, abrupt, impetuous, sudden mean showing undue haste or unexpectedness. precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action. the army's precipitate withdrawal headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought. a headlong flight from arrest abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony. an abrupt refusal impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness. an impetuous lover proposing marriage sudden stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action. flew into a sudden rage

Examples of sudden in a Sentence

Adjective a sudden change in temperature Sudden fame can be difficult to deal with. She had a sudden urge to be outside. His death was very sudden. a sudden turn in the road I was surprised by her sudden decision to quit. The director's sudden departure leaves the organization's future uncertain.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective All of a sudden, federal agencies had to comply with this new ruling. — Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 14 June 2021 Yet with the help of an online support group that regularly grapples with the physical, emotional and financial consequences of sudden loss, young widows and widowers are gradually finding ways to forge a sense of community. — Christopher Snowbeck, Star Tribune, 5 June 2021 Doctors from Johns Hopkins University treated some of the people who suffered from sudden hearing loss within a day of getting a COVID-19 shot. — Karen Kaplan Science And Medicine Editor, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2021 The two met at a local coffee shop to discuss the shared experience of the sudden loss of a teammate. — Michelle Gardner, The Arizona Republic, 17 May 2021 The sudden revenue loss caused tribes to lay off thousands of tribal employees and cut or scale back programs and services for tribal members. — Sarah Volpenhein, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 13 May 2021 The sudden loss has left family and friends heartbroken — and searching for answers. — Rashika Jaipuriar, The Indianapolis Star, 7 May 2021 Its March collapse triggered one of the biggest sudden trading losses in Wall Street history. — Julie Steinberg, WSJ, 5 May 2021 Armor’s son, Don Denney, said the family is still reeling from the sudden loss of his mom. — Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 4 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sudden.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.