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

But genuinely funny moments are rare, badly outnumbered by done-to-death musings regarding the mysteries of being alive and torturous melodramatic moments in which Klara dully absorbs the severity of Josie’s illness and Chrissy’s sorrow.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Crystal’s deep and profound sorrow at the loss of his director and friend Rob Reiner, not to mention Robin WIlliams, are very much present in the show.

— Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 21 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

In a masterful unbroken shot, Klaus is on the phone from France with his sister, expressing his bottomless anguish.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Polly, by contrast, reads the manuscript and is immediately filled with anguish and all-consuming fury.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 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 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of heartache

noun

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