Synonyms of sudden

sudden

adjective

ˈsə-dᵊn 

as in unexpected

not expected

the sudden snowstorm resulted in thousands of evening commuters abandoning their cars on impassable highways

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unexpected
• abrupt
• unforeseen
• unanticipated
• unlooked-for
• unlikely
• surprising
• startling
• improbable
• unplanned
• unintended

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• anticipated
• foreseen
• expected
• predicted
• prophesied
• unsurprising

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sudden contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sudden are abrupt, headlong, impetuous, and precipitate. While all these words mean "showing undue haste or unexpectedness," sudden stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action.

flew into a sudden rage

When might abrupt be a better fit than sudden?

Although the words abrupt and sudden have much in common, abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony.

an abrupt refusal

When is it sensible to use headlong instead of sudden?

While in some cases nearly identical to sudden, headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought.

a headlong flight from arrest

When is impetuous a more appropriate choice than sudden?

The meanings of impetuous and sudden largely overlap; however, impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness.

an impetuous lover proposing marriage

Where would precipitate be a reasonable alternative to sudden?

While the synonyms precipitate and sudden are close in meaning, precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action.

the army's precipitate withdrawal

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sudden

The sudden flooding hit the Mexican states of Veracruz, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Querétaro and Puebla. —Cristopher Rogel Blanquet, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

Thousands of families in the Kansas City area could face a sudden end to their child care if the federal government shutdown continues. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025

Grace’s sudden promotion creates many job openings in the new administration, chief among them her old gig. —Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025

Then comes the sudden twist: her cousin unexpectedly dies, leaving J.C. to care for her 14-month-old baby. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 16 Oct. 2025

Phrases Containing sudden

• all of a sudden

Video

'All over sudden' vs. 'All of a sudden'

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