sudden

noun

(obsolete) An unexpected occurrence; a surprise.

adjective

Occurring quickly with little or no warning or expectation; instantly.

(obsolete) Hastily prepared or employed; quick; rapid.

(obsolete) Hasty; violent; rash; precipitate.

adverb

(poetic) Suddenly.

Roots

subitussud- · Latin · unexpected

Synonyms for sudden

abruptadj suddenlyadv abruptlyadv unexpectedadj unanticipatedadj unexpectedlyadv unforeseenadj precipitousadj unpredictedadj startlingadj unannouncedadj unheraldedadj overhastyadj rapidadj surprisingadj

Synonyms & related words for sudden

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of sudden — including abrupt, suddenly, abruptly, unexpected, unanticipated, unexpectedly. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to sudden

Explore words related to sudden — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include suddenness, fulminant, precipitousness, abruptness, subito, unexpectedness, precipitateness, precipitance. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for sudden

Common synonyms for sudden include abrupt, suddenly, abruptly, unexpected, unanticipated, unexpectedly, unforeseen, precipitous — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does sudden come from?

The word sudden breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root sud-, from Latin subitus (“unexpected”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.