happening or done quickly and unexpectedly, affecting someone or something without warning

all of a sudden, sudden death, sudden stop

Formal and Informal Expressions of sudden

In different contexts, you can replace 'sudden' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'abrupt, unexpected' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'out of nowhere, all at once' is a commonplace synonym.

sudden: Explore its Definition & Usage

sudden Definition

1happening or done quickly and unexpectedly
2affecting someone or something without warning

Using sudden: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sudden" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The sudden noise made me jump.
Example
The sudden change in weather caught us off guard.
Example
He died of a sudden heart attack.
Example
She had a sudden urge to travel.

sudden Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for sudden

Antonyms for sudden

Phrases with sudden

all of a sudden
happening quickly and unexpectedly
Example
All of a sudden, the lights went out.
sudden death
death that occurs unexpectedly and suddenly
Example
The athlete suffered a sudden death on the field.
sudden stop
an abrupt cessation of movement or activity
Example
The car came to a sudden stop when it hit the tree.

Origins of sudden

from Middle English 'sodein', from Old French 'soudain', from Latin 'subitaneus', from 'subitus' meaning 'sudden'

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Summary: sudden in Brief

The term 'sudden' [ˈsʌdən] refers to something happening or done quickly and unexpectedly, often without warning. It can describe anything from a sudden noise to a sudden change in weather, as in 'The sudden noise made me jump.' 'Sudden' also extends into phrases like 'all of a sudden,' indicating a quick and unexpected event, and 'sudden death,' referring to an unexpected and sudden passing.