: happening, coming, or done very quickly in a way that is usually not expected
a sudden change/rise in temperature
Sudden fame/success 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.
Cite this Entry
“Sudden.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/sudden. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
