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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.

"I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and deeply sadden me," the 82-year-old wrote on his Instagram account.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 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

“Two things sadden me about this investigation,” Johnson said.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2023

My absence from Christmas would sadden them even more.

From Salon • Dec. 22, 2021

Everyone’s face had begun to sadden and grow tense.

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah

Vocabulary lists containing sadden

Spelling Practice 1, Unit 6

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