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

This week, the British academy was rocked by a scandal that curdled into a tragedy. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026

In the wake of the tragedy, fellow first responders and locals are rallying around the grieving father and husband. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026

Both his age, and the tragedy of being partially paralyzed in a 2014 car wreck, gained Cawthorn attention. — Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2026

Part of what makes the tragedy so confounding is that, by all accounts, Clancy had been a devoted mom. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026