sadden

verb

sad·​den ˈsa-dᵊn How to pronounce sadden (audio)
saddened; saddening ˈsad-niŋ How to pronounce sadden (audio)
ˈsa-dᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of saddennext

transitive verb

: to make sad

intransitive verb

: to become sad

Synonyms of sadden

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Examples of sadden in a Sentence

It saddens me that we could not agree. We were saddened to see how ill she looks. She was saddened over the death of her friend. Her face saddened when she heard the news.
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.
After Matthew passed, I was deeply saddened, but remained interested in excavating the full story of Matthew. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2026 We're deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 The Cincinnati Reds are saddened by the passing of former first baseman and 1990 World Series champion Todd Benzinger. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones said on social media that she was saddened. — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sadden

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of sadden was in 1565

Rhymes for sadden

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Browse Nearby Words

Sādāt
sadden
saddeningly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sadden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sadden. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sadden

verb
sad·​den ˈsad-ᵊn How to pronounce sadden (audio)
saddened; saddening -niŋ How to pronounce sadden (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become sad
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