1
as in sad
causing unhappiness
a heartbreaking story of a family torn asunder by war
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tragic
of a kind to cause great distress
the heartbreaking state of Main Street now that most of the businesses have closed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pathetic
deserving of one's pity
a heartbreaking attempt to escape that ends in disaster
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of heartbreaking
An incoming freshman in Colorado is finding support and family within his community after his parents and little brother were taken too soon in a heartbreaking act of violence.
—
Gabriela Vidal,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
In a heartbreaking scene that followed at the end of Episode 7, Gaby received a call and learned that Maya had died by suicide.
—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Savannah has made several heartbreaking pleas on Instagram and returned to work in April.
—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
18 June 2026
And a heartbreaking way to end one helluva run.
—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Gabriela Vidal,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
In a heartbreaking scene that followed at the end of Episode 7, Gaby received a call and learned that Maya had died by suicide.
—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Savannah has made several heartbreaking pleas on Instagram and returned to work in April.
—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
18 June 2026
And a heartbreaking way to end one helluva run.
—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartbreaking
Adjective
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Then Greene takes a long, sad subway ride home, and America learns that one of their favorite TV doctors isn't flawless.
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Local foodies were sad to hear owner Sylvia Chung (Momma Chung) retired and closed the south Fort Worth restaurant in October of last year.
Adjective
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Kara isn’t the only superhero with a tragic origin story – but unlike, say, that guy who dresses up as a bat and fights crime after the deaths of his mom and dad, Kara hits up a dive bar and plays with her dog to cope.
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Following the tragic incident, Aiden has been remembered for his kindness and intense drive.
Adjective
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After these first three majors — and after a pathetic showing this week at Shinnecock — there's no reason to bet against it.
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The Right Now’s Diana Levy — the executive producer of the stunt — asked reporters to spread out in a way that would make the turnout appear as sparse (and therefore pathetic) as possible.
Adjective
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What a depressing, disturbing waste, no matter the final verdict.
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After watching and enjoying the film, a somewhat depressing thought leaped into my mind.
Adjective
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As attendees were escorted out of the Great American State Fair on Sunday because of inclement weather, guests noticed an unfortunate typo displayed on a digital billboard at the National Mall.
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They should be trained not to ask a bunch of questions about the medical condition, express doubt, comment that the timing is unfortunate or share private information with co-workers.
Adjective
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Completing the hat trick in pitiful style, Taking on the World was shot on a shoestring budget, helmed by the man behind Highlander III, and forced to rely on stock footage of real-life footballers.
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Given the national team’s pitiful demise at the Oval, with New Zealand completing victory on the fifth morning, Ben Stokes’ revival in absentia feels like the only consolation from a miserable week.
Adjective
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Because of that, these hands suffer from high production costs, poor durability against impacts, short operational lifespans, and there are no existing solutions that engineers can readily draw upon, Wang added.
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The extreme heat can also affect people who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation.
Adjective
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And Wilde’s couple is miserable in a way only Americans can be.
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Björck alone should make the Jets’ 2026 draft a win and help Jets fans move past the miserable season that led to the pick.
Cite this Entry
“Heartbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartbreaking. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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