heartbreak

noun

heart·​break ˈhärt-ˌbrāk 

: crushing grief, anguish, or distress

has had more than her share of heartbreak

Synonyms of heartbreak

• sorrow
• grief
• anguish

Examples of heartbreak in a Sentence

He recently suffered a string of romantic heartbreaks.

I understand the heartbreak you must feel over your grandmother's death.

Recent Examples on the Web

The arc of this album goes from this place of heartbreak to healing. — Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Fans and community members expressed heartbreak in response to the longtime bookstore’s social media post, with some thanking the store for its years of service and others reminiscing about fond memories of the location. — Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026

Her unique perspective comes from experiencing Olympic pressure, heartbreak, and ultimate triumph. — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Letting go of resentment and focusing on personal growth can help parents rebuild after heartbreak and set a positive example for their kids. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heartbreak

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• forsake
• gouache
• handshake
• headache

Kids Definition

heartbreak

noun

heart·​break -ˌbrāk 

: crushing grief, anguish, or distress

heartbreaking

-ˌbrā-kiŋ

adjective

heartbreakingly adverb

heartbroken

-ˌbrō-kən

adjective