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 This was a three-day decision with lots and lots of heartache. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 Over the course of more than twelve hours, the actor pings between heartache and euphoria. — Brian Raftery, Vanity Fair, 6 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for heartache

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartache

Noun

Words cannot express the profound sorrow our department and community feel tonight over the loss of our fallen hero, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Lakewood.

— CBS News, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
What feels like a weight of helplessness and sorrow on our shoulders may, with enough space, also reflect our remarkable capacities for strength, steadfastness, and compassion.

— Robert M. Kinast, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

The ancient Celtic poem advising not to hurry through grief continues to bring comfort.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
Our community is dying; there’s an underlying sense of desperation, grief and pride that can both protect and suffocate out of a need to survive – this film is ultimately a love letter to us, with a sense of knowing.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of grief

Noun

The angst and anguish and the ability to come up with a damn good hook are still there, even if the pressures and the stress of adulthood have taken on aching new heights.

— Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2026
Stardom and success mixed with grief and anguish seemed to pour over into the season.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of anguish

Noun

The fatigue of such heavy heartbreak is felt in Peter and runs as an undertone through Club Kid, a film rooted in both loss and redemption.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026
Currently shooting in Massachusetts, the film centers on a woman determined to discover love in a near-future world where heartbreak has become lethal, whose search for intimacy becomes increasingly entangled with obsession and control.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of heartache

noun

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