madden

verb

mad·​den ˈma-dᵊn How to pronounce madden (audio)
maddened; maddening ˈmad-niŋ How to pronounce madden (audio)
ˈma-dᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of maddennext

intransitive verb

: to become or act as if mad

transitive verb

1
: to disturb or drive mad
2
: to make intensely angry : enrage

Synonyms of madden

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Examples of madden in a Sentence

the endless swarms of mosquitoes all but maddened the explorers her perpetual tardiness maddened her friends to no end
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The way the Padres screw around this time of year is maddening. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026 Few films capture the hum of life in all its maddening beauty quite like this one. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 This could be maddening for a producer. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 Being told no by an insurer is maddening. — Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for madden

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of madden was in 1704

Rhymes for madden

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Browse Nearby Words

mad dash
madden
maddening
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Cite this Entry

“Madden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/madden. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

madden

verb
mad·​den ˈmad-ᵊn How to pronounce madden (audio)
: to make mad : enrage

More from Merriam-Webster on madden

Nglish: Translation of madden for Spanish Speakers

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