suddenly

ADVERB

unexpectedly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abruptly all of a sudden quickly swiftly

STRONG

short

WEAK

aback all at once asudden forthwith on spur of moment sudden unanticipatedly unaware unawares without warning

Antonyms

WEAK

expectedly slowly

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.

It must have been terribly difficult to find himself suddenly without this powerful position.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Yeah, that’s really nice. I think, maybe . . .” But as suddenly as the voices filled the bus, they trail off.

From Literature

All that pressure inside would suddenly be released.

From Literature

Due to stand trial at the Old Bailey on Monday, Wright, now 67, suddenly pleaded guilty.

From BBC

“He’s pretty content with his life. He’s working at a club, working the door, and he suddenly is thrust into … celebrity.”

From Los Angeles Times