sadden

verb

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

transitive verb

: to make sad

intransitive verb

: to become sad

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.
According to Taraborrelli, Jackie was said to be saddened by the news. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 July 2025 We are saddened and troubled by this very serious allegation, and TLC will work cooperatively with the authorities. Sydni Ellis, People.com, 23 July 2025 The Parkinson's Foundation is deeply saddened by the passing of music legend Ozzy Osbourne, just weeks after his farewell show. Amanda Castro gabe Whisnant anna Commander shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025 The news saddened longtime customers who considered the restaurant a friendly oasis in a culinary world, one that sometimes seems to care more about flash than service. Connie Ogle july 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sadden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sadden. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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