Synonyms for

Suddenly

Verb / ˈsʌdʌnli: / Another word for suddenly — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

happening quickly and unexpectedly

Synonyms & similar words

ofasudden abruptly onthespurofthemoment dead short allofasudden abruptly unexpectedly quickly instantly swiftly immediately hastily expeditiously promptly fast unforeseen surprise startlingly astonishingly shockingly jarringly joltingly

Synonyms by register

Formal

abruptly unexpectedly precipitously

Informal

all of a sudden out of the blue like a bolt from the blue in a flash

Literary

erewhile anon

Antonyms

gradually slowly steadily progressively eventually deliberately unhurriedly

Common collocations

  • happened suddenly
  • stopped suddenly
  • appeared suddenly
  • changed suddenly
  • came suddenly
  • struck suddenly
  • attacked suddenly

Word family

noun suddenness
adjective sudden

Usage note

Suddenness implies a lack of warning or preparation. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

Example sentences

  1. Suddenly, the phone rang and scared me.
  2. She suddenly remembered that she forgot her keys.
  3. The cat suddenly jumped off the couch.
  4. Suddenly, the wind picked up and blew the leaves away.
  5. He suddenly realized that he was lost in the woods.

Quotes

  • 'Life changes in an instant. The ordinary instant.' - Joan Didion
  • 'Suddenly, I became me.' - Sylvia Plath
  • 'Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.' - Allen Saunders

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