sudden death

NOUN

unexplained death

Synonyms

WEAK

deathblow early death premature death stroke of death tiebreaker untimely end

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.

A third-act twist or sudden death can change a viewer’s overall perception of a movie in an instant.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

Tributes poured in following the announcement of Busch's sudden death.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

An abrupt removal of Castro, or his sudden death, could also spark an internal struggle for power.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

Charles also made an emotional return to I'm A Celebrity after being forced to withdraw from the same series following the sudden death of his brother.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

“Not so far—happen three mile. He had been called away by the sudden death of his father: he was at Marsh End now, and would very likely stay there a fortnight longer.”

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë