heartbreak

noun

heart·​break ˈhärt-ˌbrāk 

: crushing grief, anguish, or distress

Synonyms

• sorrow
• grief
• anguish

Examples of heartbreak in a Sentence

He recently suffered a string of romantic heartbreaks.

I understand the heartbreak you must feel over your grandmother's death.

Recent Examples on the Web

Imagine the heartbreak of a missing pet. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025

In September, Lopez got candid about filming the musical amid her personal heartbreak during an interview on CBS News Sunday Morning. —Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025

Vol 1 – Love in all its messy forms — heartbreak, longing, and unexpected connection. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025

Twice By Mitch Albom Alfie Logan grows up with the extraordinary power to undo any moment of his life, a gift that saves him from mistakes, dangers, and heartbreak - but always at a cost. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heartbreak

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• eastlake
• forsake
• handshake
• headache

Kids Definition

heartbreak

noun

heart·​break -ˌbrāk 

: crushing grief, anguish, or distress

heartbreaking

-ˌbrā-kiŋ

adjective

heartbreakingly adverb

heartbroken

-ˌbrō-kən

adjective