1
as in sad
causing unhappiness
a heartbreaking story of a family torn asunder by war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 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
-
Then Greene takes a long, sad subway ride home, and America learns that one of their favorite TV doctors isn't flawless.
-
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
-
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.
-
Following the tragic incident, Aiden has been remembered for his kindness and intense drive.
Adjective
-
After these first three majors — and after a pathetic showing this week at Shinnecock — there's no reason to bet against it.
-
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
-
After watching and enjoying the film, a somewhat depressing thought leaped into my mind.
-
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.
Adjective
-
The visible gap for the door mechanism running across the rear fenders is unfortunate, especially since more basic minivans showcase clean surfaces there.
-
Here's Sophie Cunningham dominating another pre-game entrance before an unfortunate loss to Angel Reese last night.
Adjective
-
Trump has made a pitiful shambles of what should have been a glorious moment.
-
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.
Adjective
-
Rebecca Lowe joins Dan Patrick to discuss some of the top storylines around the World Cup, including Cristiano Ronaldo's poor play to start, the United States' potential and more.
-
Will the gap between rural and urban America – and the gap between rich and poor America – decline or grow?
Adjective
-
Bryson, in particular, has looked miserable all season.
-
Despite concerns that the conflict in the Middle East would 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.
Cite this Entry
“Heartbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartbreaking. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
