sadden

verb

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

transitive verb

: to make sad

intransitive verb

: to become sad

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.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Blue Jays great, Jim Clancy. Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025 The school district told The Enquirer they are deeply saddened by the news and are working to ensure supports are in place for the district's students, staff, and Jaymir's family. Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 10 July 2025 The Abbott staff all love Dennis’ coffee, but at lunch, Charlie is saddened to realize the Abbott kids only know 9/11 as a funny meme. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 9 July 2025 Some 18 months after his departure, Parker was greeted with a chorus of boos from West Ham fans on his return to East London — and was saddened by the reaction. Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 8 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sadden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sadden. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sadden

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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