Synonyms of tragedy

tragedy

noun

ˈtra-jə-dē 

1

as in disaster

a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction

the earthquake and the ensuing damage was the worst tragedy to ever befall the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disaster
• catastrophe
• calamity
• apocalypse
• accident
• crash
• collapse
• debacle
• fatality
• cataclysm
• upheaval
• casualty
• misfortune
• bloodbath
• meltdown
• convulsion
• Armageddon
• doomsday
• blow
• mishap
• misadventure
• paroxysm
• end-time
• mischance
• blast
• double whammy
• one-two

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• windfall
• manna
• godsend

2

as in misfortune

bad luck or an example of this

it's the tragedy of many great artists not to be recognized for their genius until after they're dead

Synonyms & Similar Words

• misfortune
• disaster
• hardship
• catastrophe
• accident
• misery
• mishap
• adversity
• misadventure
• fate
• ill
• trouble
• calamity
• trial
• sorrow
• mischance
• circumstance
• suffering
• disappointment
• knock
• defeat
• doom
• blow
• unhappiness
• distress
• evil
• woe
• failure
• tribulation
• curse
• cataclysm
• casualty
• setback
• destiny
• affliction
• portion
• letdown
• nonsuccess
• body blow
• fizzle
• lot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opportunity
• luck
• fortune
• stroke
• success
• chance
• strike
• serendipity
• hit
• break
• achievement
• windfall
• fluke
• accomplishment
• godsend

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tragedy

Hours after the tragedy occurred, dozens of community members and teenagers gathered in Manhattan’s East Village at the intersection of East 14th Street and First Avenue to pay tribute to Serkov. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026

Melissa McCarthy, one of the most gifted comic actors working today, will soon be starring in a tragedy. — Kate Aurthur, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026

The Rubaya mine is a major coltan mining site that has seen numerous tragedies, including a mine collapse in March that killed at least 200 people, and a landslide in January, which left around 200 people dead. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

People usually make documentaries where there’s a major tragedy or major drama. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026