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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tragedy
But the movie’s tragedy ultimately just kind of hangs there.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
University officials confirmed to CBS affiliate WBTV that McKenney graduated on Saturday, May 9, less than 24 hours before the tragedy.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
These kinds of tragedies should never happen.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 13 May 2026
However, Sarkis says some people use dark humor to cope with tragedy or fears surrounding a health crisis, while still exhibiting emotional intelligence or empathy in their interpersonal relationships or other parts of their lives.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tragedy
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
University officials confirmed to CBS affiliate WBTV that McKenney graduated on Saturday, May 9, less than 24 hours before the tragedy.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
These kinds of tragedies should never happen.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 13 May 2026
However, Sarkis says some people use dark humor to cope with tragedy or fears surrounding a health crisis, while still exhibiting emotional intelligence or empathy in their interpersonal relationships or other parts of their lives.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tragedy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tragedy
Noun
-
In the aftermath of the BAFTA Film Awards, the BBC created a new set of protocols, which now need to be unleashed without a hitch as the public broadcaster bids to avoid a repeat of the disaster.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
8 May 2026
-
The United Nations estimates that, all told, thousands of people have died or will die as a result of the disaster.—
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Does White’s misfortune offer Alexander-Arnold a route back?—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
Farmers markets — that humble and charming throwback to a bygone era — are also struggling with higher fuel prices, after weathering the economic calamities of the pandemic and other misfortunes.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Back in the late ’90s, the Federal Reserve (and everyone else) was sweating a potential Y2K calamity.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
-
All the sweeping expansiveness snaps shut with a sudden health crisis for Kristen, its onset signaled with masterful concision in a middle-of-the-night calamity that leaves her helpless.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
System apocalypse, dungeon core and subgenres galore LitRPG has international roots, according to Rhea Lyons, the director of content acquisition at Audible.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
-
Might the oligarchs of the world know — or be warned — in advance of a nuclear apocalypse?—
Rachel Lerman,
Washington Post,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tragedy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tragedy. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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