tragedy

noun

ˈtra-jə-dē How to pronounce tragedy (audio)
Definition of tragedynext
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

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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

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of tragedy While the cause of the tragedy remains unknown, air traffic radio captured the pilot’s voice as the plane plunged straight toward the ground. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026 The juxtaposition of Prikryl’s family with Cordelia’s reveals the overlap of tragedy, fairy tale, and soap opera. — Langdon Hammer, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026 Commercial work, there’s a lot of AI voicing, which is really a tragedy. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Nov. 2026 Out of war, out of tragedy, came a generosity that has answered the prayers of so many. — Ron Farina, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tragedy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tragedy
  1. disaster
  2. misfortune
  3. catastrophe
  4. calamity
  5. apocalypse
Noun
  • The organization provides individuals and families with essential products, including merchandise donated by retailers and manufacturers, to help them through poverty, disaster and other challenging circumstances.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Kim called for a public nonprofit disaster insurance program that would cover wildfire risks for existing homes.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of disaster
Noun
  • In her misfortune, the feisty raccoon was actually incredibly lucky.
    — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2026
  • There's also the age-old custom of burning a Yule log, traditionally associated with good fortune and protection from misfortune.
    — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of misfortune
Noun
  • At the time of the last catastrophe, a convulsive shift in media consumption began undermining the value of the legacy distribution scheme, which in turn led to grave uncertainties related to revenue sharing.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The strategy provided insurers with concessions such as the right to charge policyholders for the reinsurance carriers must buy to protect themselves from catastrophes, such as the January 2025 wildfires.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of catastrophe
Noun
  • As the guests attempt to keep up appearances, the celebrations descend into a day of calamity, hilarity and unexpected connections.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Anything that seems relatively unimportant, like who sits on what dais, becomes the calamity of the century.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of calamity
Noun
  • The structure of World War Z lends the material a dreadful credibility, with the prospect of a zombie apocalypse never seeming more plausible.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Nov. 2026
  • There are some apocalypses, the song seems to suggest, where no redemptive beauty can be found.
    — Marissa Lorusso, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of apocalypse

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tragedy
tragic
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Cite this Entry

“Tragedy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tragedy. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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