tearful

adjective

tear·​ful ˈtir-fəl 

1

: flowing with or accompanied by tears

tearful entreaties

2

: causing tears : teary

a tearful eulogy

tearfully

ˈtir-fə-lē 

adverb

tearfulness noun

Synonyms

• emotional
• weeping
• crying
• teary
• weepy
• lachrymose
• sobbing
• sad
• grieving

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

For all of its physical comedy and Christmas wish fulfillment, the real reason multiple generations developed a powerful bond to Home Alone is because of these tearful moments — and because of John’s sparkling, heartstring music. —Tim Greiving, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025

After a tumultuous and tearful enemies-to-lovers journey, brilliant scholarship student Ruby Hall (Harriet Herbig-Matten) and troubled but sensitive rich kid James Beaufort (Damian Hardung) finally gave in to their emotions (and passion) in the season 1 finale. —Kristen Baldwin September 2, EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Expect vivid dreams, déjà vu moments, and maybe even a tearful rage-room release. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Aug. 2025

He was released from federal custody on parole Friday and had a tearful reunion with his family after nearly half a year apart. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tearful

• cheerful
• fearful

Kids Definition

tearful

adjective

tear·​ful ˈti(ə)r-fəl 

: flowing with, accompanied by, or causing tears

tearfully

-fə-lē 

adverb