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

Games were canceled, tearful tributes were made and things were solemn for a long time. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Even without a tearful backstory that parallels the circumstances of Hank’s current assignment with an almost cartoonish precision, Ritchson makes Hank likable with a performance that’s thoughtful, human and drily funny. — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

More than a hundred people gathered Saturday night for a candlelight vigil on the quad at William Jewell, sharing tearful stories, hugging and honoring a beloved teammate, student, friend and son. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 1 Sep. 2026

Federer gave an emotional and tearful speech during his induction ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island. — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

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