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.
Read the full statement from Nicky Katt’s sister here: Personal Statement on the Loss of My Brother I am deeply saddened that the details of my brother’s passing were made public without my consent at a time when our family was still trying to process the shock and grief of his loss. Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2025 School principal Robert Garcia said in a statement to community members that he is saddened about the teen’s death. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025 Statement from Brett and Jessica Gardner: With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 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 28 Apr. 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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