Synonyms of tragic

tragic

adjective

ˈtra-jik 

variants also tragical

as in unfortunate

of a kind to cause great distress

in a tragic turn of events the area's sole remaining steel mill suddenly closed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unfortunate
• sad
• disturbing
• regrettable
• disastrous
• lamentable
• terrible
• shocking
• sickening
• deplorable
• distressing
• grievous
• unlucky
• heartbreaking
• woeful
• distressful
• heartrending
• dreadful
• unsettling
• painful
• horrible
• poignant
• traumatic
• troublesome
• awful
• alarming
• severe
• piteous
• horrifying
• doleful
• fearful
• vexatious
• dire
• harrowing
• touching
• moving
• unbearable
• intolerable
• crushing
• calamitous
• overwhelming
• pitiful
• excruciating
• miserable
• affecting
• perturbing
• ruthful
• wretched
• sharp
• raging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rewarding
• satisfying
• gratifying
• pleasing
• encouraging
• comforting
• heartening
• inspiring
• happy
• fortunate
• lucky
• heartwarming
• cheering

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tragic

Darcy said Adair’s death is a tragic example of why proper training is important for law enforcement. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2025

Following the tragic death of the conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the line between eulogy and blame wore swiftly and predictably thin. —Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 20 Sep. 2025

Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025

Life is tragic simply because the earth turns and the sun inexorably rises and sets, and one day, for each of us, the sun will go down for the last, last time. —Garth Greenwell, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025