SUDDEN Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'sudden' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sudden are abrupt , headlong , impetuous , and precipitate . While all these words mean "showing undue haste or unexpectedness," sudden stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action. // flew into a sudden rage

Q: When might 'abrupt' be a better fit than 'sudden'?

Although the words abrupt and sudden have much in common, abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony. // an abrupt refusal

Q: When is it sensible to use 'headlong' instead of 'sudden'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sudden , headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought. // a headlong flight from arrest

Q: When is 'impetuous' a more appropriate choice than 'sudden'?

The meanings of impetuous and sudden largely overlap; however, impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness. // an impetuous lover proposing marriage

Q: Where would 'precipitate' be a reasonable alternative to 'sudden'?

While the synonyms precipitate and sudden are close in meaning, precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action. // the army's precipitate withdrawal

sudden

adjective

ˈsə-dᵊn

Definition of sudden next

as in unexpected

not expected the sudden snowstorm resulted in thousands of evening commuters abandoning their cars on impassable highways

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sudden contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sudden are abrupt, headlong, impetuous, and precipitate. While all these words mean "showing undue haste or unexpectedness," sudden stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action.

flew into a sudden rage

When might abrupt be a better fit than sudden?

Although the words abrupt and sudden have much in common, abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony.

an abrupt refusal

When is it sensible to use headlong instead of sudden?

While in some cases nearly identical to sudden, headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought.

a headlong flight from arrest

When is impetuous a more appropriate choice than sudden?

The meanings of impetuous and sudden largely overlap; however, impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness.

an impetuous lover proposing marriage

Where would precipitate be a reasonable alternative to sudden?

While the synonyms precipitate and sudden are close in meaning, precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action.

the army's precipitate withdrawal

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of sudden James Gregory Adams, 30, signed a plea deal submitted Tuesday for voluntary manslaughter, under sudden heat. —

Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025 The City Council failed to make an appointment or call a special election to fill the seat left by the sudden resignation of Dwight Worden last September, leaving little margin for dissent on divisive issues. —

Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025 Meanwhile, Venus’ debut Aries and your social sector spark sudden shifts in your friendship circles, which leads to a deeper understanding of yourself and who truly supports you. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025 Trump’s sudden disruption to funding disease control programs worldwide will wreak havoc. —

Gavin Yamey, TIME, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sudden