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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of heartbreaking
An East Oak Cliff neighborhood is grieving tonight after a heartbreaking tragedy involving a toddler.
—
Marissa Armas, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
But only 1 point has arrived since De Zerbi stepped in as Spurs let in a heartbreaking late equalizer at home to Brighton last weekend.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
Happy Endings has retained a cult status among fans; PEOPLE named it one of the 10 most heartbreaking show cancellations of the 2010s.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
But a social media plea, a local news station and a volunteer walking her dog turned a heartbreaking loss into a story of community spirit.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Marissa Armas, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
But only 1 point has arrived since De Zerbi stepped in as Spurs let in a heartbreaking late equalizer at home to Brighton last weekend.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
Happy Endings has retained a cult status among fans; PEOPLE named it one of the 10 most heartbreaking show cancellations of the 2010s.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
But a social media plea, a local news station and a volunteer walking her dog turned a heartbreaking loss into a story of community spirit.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartbreaking
Adjective
-
As major college athletics continues to shift into for-profit, these types of sad measures are expected to continue, and private equity will continue to creep in.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
-
And such a sad story for Positano, and this whole region.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Bojorquez said Jones was a brave officer who had made a tragic mistake while rushing to the aid of victims.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
That’s especially true in the tragic murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
But as Notes from Underground progresses, his behavior turns from funny to pathetic to downright despicable.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Over pinwheeling synths, Mahesh inhabits her narrator’s misplaced longing with gooey, heart-eyed delusion and sweetly pathetic determination.—
Harry Tafoya,
Pitchfork,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Because what could be more depressing than just passively watching the world burn and melt and crumble?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
-
This level of security is a depressing necessity in modern-day Britain.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Lee said the incident is especially unfortunate, given the good work VCH does.—
Deborah Vankin,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
-
This is unfortunate and, from your telling, needlessly aggressive.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Will the harsh weather mean poor growth and pitiful harvests?—
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
8 May 2026
-
Written as a response to the utopian fiction that consumed Russia’s intelligentsia at the time, Notes from Underground is a mirror that reflects the ugliest, most pitiful aspects of humanity back at us.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Injuries to key players on the Amazin’s contributed to some poor numbers as well.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Although poor students are disproportionately likely to receive special education in New York City, well-off disabled kids are the ones most acutely driving up the budget.—
Marc Novicoff,
The Atlantic,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Women say the women’s restrooms also are miserable, too.—
Charley Walters,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
-
The Timberwolves, in general, and Jaden McDaniels, specifically, made life miserable for Murray in Game 6.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heartbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartbreaking. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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