sudden

[suhd-n] / ˈsʌd n /

ADJECTIVE

unexpected; happening quickly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abrupt hasty immediate precipitous quick rapid swift unforeseen unusual

WEAK

accelerated acute expeditious fast flash fleet headlong hurried impetuous impromptu impulsive out of the blue precipitant precipitate quickened rash rushing spasmodic speeded subito

Antonyms

STRONGEST

delayed gradual lazy leisurely slow sluggish

WEAK

expected

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

All of a sudden, Jason found himself in the middle of a pop-cultural tornado.

From The Wall Street Journal

Several economy passengers asked for ice packs to ease their sudden headaches, then a handful started to vomit.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their goal is to detect warning signs early, before a sudden landslide could trigger a destructive tsunami.

From Science Daily

Just a few days before her sudden death in late May, Zoë and her husband Andrew had a conversation that he returns to time and again.

From BBC

However, Togo has a history of sudden eruptions of protest or unrest.

From BBC