Synonyms of tearful

tearful

adjective

ˈtir-fəl 

1

as in emotional

given to expressing strong emotion (as sorrow) by readily shedding tears

a tearful woman who can be counted on to cry at every wedding, anniversary, and funeral

Synonyms & Similar Words

• emotional
• weeping
• crying
• teary
• weepy
• lachrymose
• sobbing
• sad
• grieving
• heartbroken
• depressed
• sentimental
• mournful
• effusive
• mawkish
• demonstrative
• wailing
• maudlin
• blubbering
• misty
• moist
• plaintive
• miserable
• sorrowful
• doleful
• dejected
• bawling
• keening
• inconsolable
• dolorous
• disconsolate
• misty-eyed
• sniffling
• lugubrious
• whimpering
• gloomy
• wretched
• sniveling
• heartsick
• funereal
• downcast
• woebegone
• despondent
• brokenhearted
• woeful
• bewailing
• downhearted
• heavyhearted
• bemoaning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smiling
• laughing
• grinning
• beaming
• cheerful
• jovial
• happy
• giggling
• cheery
• merry
• mirthful
• lighthearted
• blithe
• sunny
• chuckling
• gay
• jocose
• blithesome
• lightsome

2

as in sad

causing unhappiness

the tearful end to what had once been a close friendship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tearful

Garner is a master at the tearful longing gaze over the ocean. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026

Among the actors in the latter group was Moon Hi Ree, who delivered a tearful scene based on her own story. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 19 July 2026

On Tuesday, a man claiming to be Tracey's husband posted a tearful plea on social media regarding the incident. — Kelsie Cairns , Stepheny Price , Charles Creitz, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026

This typically lasts up to two weeks after delivery and can leave new moms feeling sad, moody, tearful, or emotionally sensitive due to the rapid hormonal changes that occur after childbirth. — Isabel Lopez, Parents, 14 July 2026