1
a
: happening or coming unexpectedly
a sudden shower
b
: changing angle or character all at once
a sudden drop in the ocean bottom
2
: marked by or manifesting abruptness or haste
a sudden departure
3
: made or brought about in a short time : prompt
suddenly
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of sudden in a Sentence
Adjective
a sudden change in temperature
Sudden fame 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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2025
Linda Ward-Smith, president of her local AFGE union chapter in Las Vegas, said of the sudden buyout offer.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025
Two PhD researchers at University of California San Diego (UCSD) spoke with Newsweek about how the threat of cuts from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the sudden disappearance of research grants, have left the scientific community reeling.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
In April, Teladoc announced the sudden departure of Jason Gorevic, who joined as CEO in 2009 and steered the company through the Livongo deal and the Covid-19 pandemic.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sudden 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Adjective
The smooch was just a tactic to make Ally’s ex jealous, obviously, but such a sudden and spectacular display of passion does put them on a collision course with local authorities.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2025
Linda Ward-Smith, president of her local AFGE union chapter in Las Vegas, said of the sudden buyout offer.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025
Two PhD researchers at University of California San Diego (UCSD) spoke with Newsweek about how the threat of cuts from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the sudden disappearance of research grants, have left the scientific community reeling.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
In April, Teladoc announced the sudden departure of Jason Gorevic, who joined as CEO in 2009 and steered the company through the Livongo deal and the Covid-19 pandemic.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sudden
Articles Related to sudden
Video
'All over sudden' vs. 'All of a sudden'
Figuring it out at once
Dictionary Entries Near sudden
Cite this Entry
“Sudden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sudden. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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