Suddenly

/ˈsʌdənli/

Meaning & Definition

adverb

in a sudden manner; unexpectedly and quickly.

The lights went out suddenly, plunging the room into darkness.

occurring without warning.

Suddenly, the car swerved to avoid hitting a deer.

at once, without delay.

She suddenly realized she had forgotten her keys.

in a way that is surprising or unexpected.

He suddenly burst into laughter, catching everyone off guard.

Middle English, from sudden + -ly

out of the blue

Unexpectedly; without advance notice.

all of a sudden

Suddenly; quickly and unexpectedly.

in a heartbeat

Very quickly; without delay.

sudden

Happening or done quickly and unexpectedly.

suddenness

The quality of happening or being done quickly and unexpectedly.

Out of nowhere

It hit me out of nowhere when I got the news.

Boom!

And then, boom! She was gone.