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
The most heartbreaking toll that war, disease, greed, and bigotry, all of these things, the greatest toll comes to the children.
—
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2026
Colonization’s heartbreaking legacy.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Again, Spielberg uses an alien-like figure to reflect our humanity, though in a far more heartbreaking way, as David’s fondest wish is temporarily granted as a sort of deathbed vision for the entirety of the human race.
—Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Those scenes were just so heartbreaking.
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2026
Colonization’s heartbreaking legacy.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Again, Spielberg uses an alien-like figure to reflect our humanity, though in a far more heartbreaking way, as David’s fondest wish is temporarily granted as a sort of deathbed vision for the entirety of the human race.
—Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Those scenes were just so heartbreaking.
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartbreaking
Adjective
-
Este is sad — Este is depressed-y.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
How sad or scary is ‘Toy Story 5’?—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
Alexander Davis, 34, of North Carolina, was a weapon systems officer for the 419th Flight Test Squadron, and had flown B-52 missions for years before the tragic crash that claimed his life.—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2026
-
Her lawyer alleges that postpartum mental health issues caused the tragic result that night.—
Kristina Rex,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
Consider this pathetic phenomenon yet one more reason the American people — or, at least, Californians — should demand a more rational way to fund political campaigns.—
Michelle Cottle,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
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After a truly pathetic opening half, the Knicks needed to give each and every row in MSG something to cheer about.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
After watching and enjoying the film, a somewhat depressing thought leaped into my mind.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
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After a depressing four-year hiatus, Bus Palladium has been transformed into a 35-room luxury hotel with a bar, restaurant, and club by building owner Christian Casmèze and hotelier Nicolas Saltiel, with architecture and interiors by the design firm Studio KO.—
Alexander Lobrano,
Air Mail,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
So that was just an unfortunate situation, but everything’s OK.—
Zach Dean,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
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Getting into a dispute with your neighbor is an unfortunate but all-too-common predicament for many homeowners.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Trump has made a pitiful shambles of what should have been a glorious moment.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
31 May 2026
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With his country flailing in their pitiful attempts to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, at the age of 33, Zidane underwent his change of heart.—
Amy Lawrence,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
These conditions can increase your vulnerability to adverse effects from poor air quality.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
16 June 2026
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Equating the Holocaust to Gaza is in extremely poor taste.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
What started off as a miserable day to be outside due to temperatures well over 80, as well as a brief rainfall, all those issues were forgotten after once the skies cleared up.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
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Despite concerns that the conflict in the Middle East could further squeeze a flagging labor market, hiring has picked up in recent months following a miserable 2025 that saw fewer than 200,000 job gains.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heartbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartbreaking. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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