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Definitions

sadden

[sad-n] / ˈsæd n /
VERB
upset, depress
Synonyms
STRONGEST
discourage dishearten dispirit grieve
STRONG
dash deject deplore desolate distress down oppress press
WEAK
break one's heart bring one down bum out cast down dampen spirits drag down make blue put a damper on put into a funk throw cold water on turn one off weigh down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
encourage hearten inspirit
STRONG
aid assist delight help
WEAK
cheer gladden make happy

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.

"My death should not sadden you but steel you even more for the struggle you are waging," one of the men, lawyer Mitsos Remboutsikas, had written to his family.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

Responding on Instagram, Iglesias said: "I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and deeply sadden me."

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

“Once it ever changes to no DH, then it will probably never change back, and that’s something that would sadden me,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 2021

But that’s revealed not to sadden us so much as to awaken us, to remind us that our memories must be cultivated and exercised as much as any craft or skill.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2021

Watching her walk away, it’s her legs that sadden me.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak

Vocabulary lists containing sadden

Spelling Practice 1, Unit 6

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