sudden

adjective

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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

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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 The sudden decline in the food service industry has plummeted the value of pork, which gets a large portion of its price boost from restaurants. — TheWeek, "A strange side-effect of the pandemic? 'Carcass imbalance'," 22 May 2020 After 3rd November, coronavirus will magically all of a sudden go away and disappear and everybody will be able to reopen. — Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, "Here’s The Latest COVID-19 Conspiracy Theory, Courtesy Of Eric Trump," 19 May 2020 This sudden expansion and increased access to telehealth is not only a good thing for providers, but patients as well. — Kimberly Wilson, Essence, "How To Make The Most Of Your Virtual Doctor's Appointment," 19 May 2020 After a sudden heart attack, Harry is confined to rest in bed at the beach house, and starts seeing Erica in a new light. — Serena Tara, Marie Claire, "The Best Summer Movies of All Time," 5 May 2020 All of a sudden, this thing that she's been working tirelessly for, which is this idea of security, is given to her unexpectedly. — Katherine Schaffstall, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Riverdale' Star Camila Mendes on More Mature Role in 'Dangerous Lies': "It Felt Nice to Graduate"," 1 May 2020 And in Michigan, Gov. Whitmer is a national figure all of a sudden. — Chris Sikich, Indianapolis Star, "As Holcomb considers reopening the economy, his popularity gets a boost from TV briefings," 28 Apr. 2020 Then all of a sudden there is birdsong and the first glow of dawn. — J. M. Coetzee, Harper's Magazine, "Bedside Planner," 27 Apr. 2020

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.