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 of tearful

• 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

However, after a reconciliation and tearful goodbye with Glinda, Elphaba forms a plan to use the rumor that getting wet will kill her to her advantage and—unbeknownst to Glinda—ultimately fakes her own death by allowing Dorothy to throw a bucket a water on her. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 21 Nov. 2025

Jonathan Peternel allegedly also possessed more than 50 intimate photos or videos of his parents, according to authorities, which his father Nathan Peternel referenced in a recent tearful address to the church following the arrest. —Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 21 Nov. 2025

Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt posted a tearful video breaking down her reaction to being eliminated from Dancing With the Stars on the season 34 semifinals. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Nov. 2025

Husband's heartbreak A tearful Danny Hoang is now running the couple's nail salon by himself and taking care of their children. —Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 21 Nov. 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