sadden

verb

sad·​den ˈsa-dᵊn How to pronounce sadden (audio)
saddened; saddening ˈsad-niŋ How to pronounce sadden (audio)
ˈsa-dᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of saddennext

transitive verb

: to make sad

intransitive verb

: to become sad

Synonyms of sadden

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Examples of sadden in a Sentence

It saddens me that we could not agree. We were saddened to see how ill she looks. She was saddened over the death of her friend. Her face saddened when she heard the news.
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.
Cunningham, who has known Needham for years, said he was saddened to learn of her departure at a time when the hospital is dealing with the serious financial situation of Vista and AHS. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 Lynsi Snyder, owner and president of In-N-Out, was saddened over the death of Garibay and the other victims. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 But French is saddened to see how views on immigrants have evolved. — ABC News, 31 July 2026 The nonprofit said it was saddened that the whales would remain in captivity, but acknowledged the move would likely improve their immediate welfare after years of deteriorating conditions at Marineland. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sadden

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of sadden was in 1565

Rhymes for sadden

See All Rhymes for sadden

Browse Nearby Words

Sādāt
sadden
saddeningly
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Cite this Entry

“Sadden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sadden. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sadden

verb
sad·​den ˈsad-ᵊn How to pronounce sadden (audio)
saddened; saddening -niŋ How to pronounce sadden (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become sad

More from Merriam-Webster on sadden

Nglish: Translation of sadden for Spanish Speakers

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