SAD Synonyms: 263 Similar and Opposite Words

sad

adjective

ˈsad

Definition of sad

as in unhappy

feeling unhappiness movies in which the hero dies always make us feel sad

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in depressing

causing unhappiness the sad news about our uncle's death made my father cry

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in pathetic

deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy) no one expected the supermodel to be a great actress, but her acting is sad beyond belief

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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 sad While most Waukeganites know of the continuing sad state of affairs at Vista, the six-page story takes a wider view of the business practices of AHS and Michael Sarian, its chief executive officer. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 And as Maruša pushes back her departure again and again, Alja’s behavior becomes more erratic — dark and deeply sad revelations that Menart tempers with a delicately irreverent sense of humor. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026 In the first match of Premier League 2026-27, a beautifully sad coincidence brings Newcastle United and Liverpool together on the grass Keegan once scrutinised with Shanklyesque zeal. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026 The saddest part of his journey, Schmidt said, was leaving the Twin Cities. — Kiara Adams, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sad

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sad

Adjective

Garcia and fellow Democrats are mindful of what’s driving unhappy voters who face a vexing mix of inflation and weak economic growth.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Sometimes kids performing things on TV look unhappy or awkward, but this girl seems to genuinely enjoy singing while her dad plays guitar.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of unhappy

Adjective

The mysterious death of a missing New York City grandmother whose body was found in a drainage ditch outside a Las Vegas airport has left her family with more questions than answers, heartbroken relatives said Saturday.

— Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026
Shuter also revealed that Ragland is heartbroken at the thought of her daughter being so far away.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of heartbroken

Adjective

To Kill a Mockingbird While Scout Finch and her father, Atticus, have become beloved characters of American literature, this novel’s true power lies in its heartbreaking account of race and injustice in the American South.

— Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Residents who had long fed and watched over Sugar say the video is heartbreaking and are pushing for the carrier’s reassignment while hoping the bird returns safely home.

— Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of heartbreaking

Adjective

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.

— Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026
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.

— Hector Vickers, New York Times, 21 June 2026

Definition of pitiful

Adjective

Traffic through the strait is beginning to increase, but remains sharply depressed.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Bessent, for one, said a key reason he got involved in politics was to help tackle deficits running at a pace unprecedented for times outside of major wars, pandemics or depressed job markets.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of depressed

Adjective

Hall was excellent for Newcastle against Liverpool in the clubs’ season opener on Sunday, and unfortunate to concede a stoppage-time penalty for the equaliser.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
People have an unfortunate tendency to make this song sound dour, but Garcia fills it with energy.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfortunate

Browse Nearby Words

sacrosanct

sad

sadden

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Style

“Sad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sad. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sad

adjective

Example Sentences

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