tearier; teariest
Synonyms of tearynext
1
a
: wet or stained with tears : tearful
teary eyes
b
: consisting of tears or drops resembling tears
2
: causing tears : pathetic
a teary story

Examples of teary in a Sentence

There were many teary eyes among those in the audience. He made a teary farewell to the fans.
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.
MacInnes made a teary appearance on the stand yesterday, where Wilson’s barrister quizzed her intensely about her claims of a bad relationship with the Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect actress. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026 There, Sam unleashes reams upon reams of monologues about their past at a teary Mary, who fills in a few gaps. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026 There, Sam unleashes reams upon reams of pent-up monologuing about their past while a teary Mary fills in a few gaps. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 Still, nothing sparked quite as many headlines—or joyfully teary social media Reels—as the closing moments of episode five. Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for teary

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of teary was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Teary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teary. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

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