as in sorrow
deep sadness especially for the loss of someone or something loved
the heartache she felt when she saw the innocent victims of the war
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Recent Examples of heartache
Even in times of challenge, setback and immense heartache, the spirit of 1776 has always shown through very brightly.
—
February 25, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026
As the heartache eases, memories often heal and illuminate.
—Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
Johnson’s worries stemmed from a ski racing career that has reached Olympic heights, but also suffered lows, injuries, and heartache.
—Katherine Cusumano, Outside, 21 Feb. 2026
There will be heartaches and heart attacks along the way, but there always will be a tomorrow, the enduring beauty of baseball.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartache
February 25, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026
As the heartache eases, memories often heal and illuminate.
—Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
Johnson’s worries stemmed from a ski racing career that has reached Olympic heights, but also suffered lows, injuries, and heartache.
—Katherine Cusumano, Outside, 21 Feb. 2026
There will be heartaches and heart attacks along the way, but there always will be a tomorrow, the enduring beauty of baseball.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartache
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartache
Noun
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Faced with the closure announcement on Facebook, commenters quickly expressed sorrow — and reminisced.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
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Buford’s issued a statement Monday expressing sorrow for the victims and thanking law enforcement.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This is Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, a gripping portrait of a young prince caught between action and inaction, grief and rage, truth and deception.—
Cincinnati Enquirer,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
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From providing advocacy and helping residents process their grief to connecting them with mental health resources and training for violence prevention.—
Mariana Navarrete Villegas,
Hartford Courant,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Experiencing that joy and anguish can be beneficial for this still-developing group.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026
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Cue awe-inspiring action sequences, gory battles and mental anguish that pushes Ritchson, er, 81, to his physical limits.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In reaching their stunning verdicts, jurors who heard chilling rape and abuse allegations involving at least 11 women over the more than monthlong trial rejected the defense’s positions that the victims were lying and motivated by money, heartbreak, or jealousy.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
9 Mar. 2026
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That was the greatest heartbreak of my life.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heartache.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartache. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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