Synonyms of sad

sad

adjective

ˈsad 

1

as in unhappy

feeling unhappiness

movies in which the hero dies always make us feel sad

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unhappy
• heartbroken
• depressed
• miserable
• sorry
• bad
• melancholy
• upset
• worried
• sorrowful
• disappointed
• mournful
• uneasy
• hopeless
• saddened
• troubled
• dejected
• gloomy
• heartsick
• doleful
• melancholic
• forlorn
• crestfallen
• depressing
• glum
• disconsolate
• inconsolable
• woebegone
• joyless
• despondent
• downcast
• wretched
• woeful
• brokenhearted
• distressed
• blue
• suicidal
• droopy
• hangdog
• downhearted
• heavyhearted
• discouraged
• down
• low-spirited
• heartsore
• down in the mouth
• tearful
• low
• grieving
• despairing
• aggrieved
• cast down
• somber
• regretful
• bleak
• sunk
• dispirited
• disheartened
• weeping
• morbid
• unquiet
• desolate
• anguished
• lugubrious
• plaintive
• dolorous
• morose
• lachrymose
• rueful
• dark
• cheerless
• dismal
• agonized
• wailing
• sullen
• dreary
• gray
• elegiac
• comfortless
• funereal
• drear
• black
• murky
• darkening
• saturnine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• happy
• glad
• joyous
• joyful
• cheerful
• cheery
• jubilant
• ecstatic
• delighted
• blissful
• gleeful
• upbeat
• sunny
• buoyant
• exuberant
• merry
• euphoric
• excited
• buoyed
• jolly
• optimistic
• hopeful
• jovial
• exultant
• rapturous
• enraptured
• chipper
• mirthful
• rhapsodic
• blithe
• jocular
• overjoyed
• rosy
• elated
• jocose
• gladdened
• sanguine
• exhilarated
• vital
• gladsome
• energetic
• spirited
• smiling
• satisfied
• lively
• jocund
• laughing
• vivacious
• pleased
• encouraged
• content
• thrilled
• entranced
• perky
• blithesome
• animated
• frisky
• lightsome
• sprightly
• peppy
• jaunty
• gratified
• careless
• bouncing
• springy
• unconcerned
• carefree
• lighthearted
• zippy
• grinning
• heartened
• easygoing
• cavalier
• boon
• insouciant
• sprightful
• beaming
• happy-go-lucky
• devil-may-care

2

as in depressing

causing unhappiness

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• depressing
• pathetic
• heartbreaking
• unfortunate
• mournful
• melancholy
• tearful
• saddening
• disturbing
• sorry
• teary
• dismal
• dreary
• drear
• lamentable
• distressful
• heartrending
• deplorable
• distressing
• woeful
• poignant
• disquieting
• touching
• grievous
• moving
• discouraging
• disheartening
• perturbing
• discomforting
• affecting
• dispiriting
• discomposing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• happy
• glad
• cheery
• inspiring
• pleasant
• heartening
• uplifting
• delightful
• welcome
• stimulating
• stirring
• enjoyable
• cheering
• satisfying
• agreeable
• pleasurable
• pleasing
• heartwarming
• exhilarating
• thrilling

3

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pathetic
• pitiful
• miserable
• lame
• disgusting
• sorry
• wretched
• pitiable
• despicable
• contemptible
• bad
• shameful
• poor
• disgraceful
• hateful
• deplorable
• notorious
• infamous
• odious
• worthless
• ignominious
• disreputable
• discreditable
• abominable
• shocking
• abhorrent
• detestable
• stinking
• lousy
• unworthy
• dishonorable
• sordid
• scandalous
• beastly
• inferior
• misbegotten
• unsavory
• meritless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• admirable
• decent
• outstanding
• worthy
• excellent
• respectable
• notable
• noteworthy
• noticeable
• commendable
• perfect
• creditable
• meritorious
• laudable
• praiseworthy
• reputable
• noble
• presentable
• honorable
• honest
• redoubtable
• straight
• flawless

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sad

But the star of the show is undoubtedly Griffin, with his machine-gun line delivery, hulking physicality and hooded, sad eyes. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

This is a sad development for Sweet Magnolias fans who would’ve liked a proper conclusion via a final season, with an Annie and Ty reconciliation probably at the top of their wishlist. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026

So shocking and sad for such a young person barely out of their 20s. — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

More Women’s Health and Menopause Research Less than 1% of federal research budgets are allocated to midlife women’s health, a profoundly sad statistic. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 Sep. 2026