HEARTACHES Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

heartache

noun

ˈhärt-ˌāk

Definition of heartache

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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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of heartache The record offered an unflinching look at her struggles with substance abuse and heartache. — Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 30 Sep. 2026 Success for the puppies and for the organization and for the people in need who ultimately get the dogs, means some heartache for them. — Patricia Babcock McGraw Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The music of the 1990s was a golden age of raucous, irreverent sound, and it was filled with heartache and tragedy. — Gene Park, Washington Post, 1 Sep. 2026 The case was unsolved for decades Blandford and Bennett recount the heartache their family went through after their sister’s death. — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartache

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartache

Noun

And Saturday, with the game temporarily relocated to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Gators couldn’t even drown their sorrows in the usual Jacksonville sunshine.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2026
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow over the deaths and called for a prompt, transparent investigation to determine the cause, according to a statement from his office.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

The death was met by a swell of grief, including from former Mexican leaders across the political spectrum.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Harvard Health’s advice on coping with holiday grief suggests adjusting celebrations or starting new traditions when old ones feel too painful.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of grief

Noun

Better Over Time should give him an opportunity to expunge his anguish and, if not necessarily heal, then find clarity on why his preternatural talent has brought a mixture of blessings and frustration.

— Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
His role as a theater director in ‘The Debut,’ isn’t the showstopping kind, but it is made memorable for the actor’s moments of tenacity, anguish and vulnerability.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of anguish

Noun

Through lush orchestral arrangements, Estrada sang about finding joy after heartbreak and loss — and made her fans feel a little less alone during bleak times.

— Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2026
But beneath the swagger is a romantic with a talent for heartbreak.

— Greg Dixon, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of heartbreak

Browse Nearby Words

heart

heartache

heartbeat

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Style

“Heartache.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartache. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of heartache

noun

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