tearful

adjective

tear·​ful ˈtir-fəl How to pronounce tearful (audio)
Synonyms of tearfulnext
1
: flowing with or accompanied by tears
tearful entreaties
2
: causing tears : teary
a tearful eulogy
tearfully adverb
tearfulness noun

Examples of tearful in a Sentence

He looked up at me with his tearful eyes and asked for help. the tearful parting of two lovers
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Firefighter's family ready to contest allegations Dove's family members were in the courtroom on Tuesday, happy and tearful that his will come home while awaiting trial. Ashley Paul, CBS News, 26 May 2026 At a nearby union hall that was serving as a family assistance center, three women shared a tearful embrace before heading inside. ABC News, 26 May 2026 Richard Childress as well as dozens of other people in the NASCAR community stood behind the family in a moment of remarkable power, as Samantha hugged Brexton and grew tearful. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 May 2026 Highlights from the season included Amy Poehler and Tina Fey reuniting to play Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem, respectively; Jack Black being inducted into the five-timers club; and Bowen Yang saying goodbye on his final show with a tearful, meta sketch about leaving a job. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for tearful

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tearful was circa 1586

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Cite this Entry

“Tearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tearful. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

tearful

adjective
tear·​ful ˈti(ə)r-fəl How to pronounce tearful (audio)
: flowing with, accompanied by, or causing tears
tearfully adverb

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