sudden

adjective

ˈsə-dᵊn How to pronounce sudden (audio)
Definition of suddennext
as in unexpected
not expected the sudden snowstorm resulted in thousands of evening commuters abandoning their cars on impassable highways

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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.
Recent Examples of sudden Tracking the disease in Michigan Tracking of the outbreak of the intestinal ailment began in Michigan on June 22, with a sudden spike quickly catching the state's attention. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 If this continues, whether as a coordinated effort or a thicket of unilateral measures, the effect on China could be a sudden and sustained shortfall in external demand. — Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026 At sea off Acapulco, Wirpul and his half-brother Candi fight for survival as a sudden storm becomes Hurricane Otis, a Category 5. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 According to another belief, the sudden absence of bulls at traditional wallows could indicate a serious reduction in the number of mature bulls in that particular area. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sudden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sudden
  1. unexpected
  2. abrupt
Adjective
  • Few inside and outside the Bernabeu doubt Mourinho will blow up at some point — most likely when his team suffer an unexpected defeat or are victims of a controversial refereeing decision.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • For now, Mike and I are enjoying these unexpected bonus days.
    — Kim Clark, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of unexpected
Adjective
  • Peach growers have expressed frustration and disappointment to The Sacramento Bee following the Del Monte bankruptcy, sharing that their businesses have taken significant hits after the abrupt cannery closure.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Reeve will replace interim Geoff Parkin who took over after the abrupt resignation of Nick Merriman due to family health issues in 2025.
    — Amah-Rose Abrams, ARTnews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of abrupt

Phrases Containing sudden

Browse Nearby Words

suctions
sudden
sudden death
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Cite this Entry

“Sudden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sudden. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sudden

Nglish: Translation of sudden for Spanish Speakers

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