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

Frankenstein, an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein, centers on a brilliant but egotistical scientist (Isaac) who brings a creature (Elordi) to life in an experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025

While his tragic murder in May 1992 ended his life, his musical legacy continues to thrive. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 30 Aug. 2025

That’s not just because of the tragic weight of the material, but because the picture reimagines the poetic act of creating Hamlet. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2025

In a tragic but not exactly unforeseen showdown, Batista was killed because of (but not at the hands of) Dexter. —Hunter Ingram, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025