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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sad
causing unhappiness
the tearful end to what had once been a close friendship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of tearful
Watch the video above to see Hayley’s tearful sign-off call!
—
Ronnie Li, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Department of Homeland Security employees at one agency were eager, even tearful, about the future.
—Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026
Teyana Taylor looked tearful as Anderson accepted the award for his 10th film alongside fellow producer Sara Murphy (and in memory of the late Adam Somner).
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Redzepi announced his resignation on Instagram with a tearful video soon after.
—ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tearful
Ronnie Li, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Department of Homeland Security employees at one agency were eager, even tearful, about the future.
—Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026
Teyana Taylor looked tearful as Anderson accepted the award for his 10th film alongside fellow producer Sara Murphy (and in memory of the late Adam Somner).
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Redzepi announced his resignation on Instagram with a tearful video soon after.
—ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tearful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tearful
Adjective
-
Is there an emotional component for you at this moment?—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
From the opening scene of the family’s move to town, the soft and wistful light shapes the film’s emotional world.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
-
That was very sad that Soft Cell’s Dave Ball died at just 66.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And every day, across from them, outside the clinic, about to enter or just leaving, there were women hugging each other and weeping.—
David Mamet,
National Review,
11 Aug. 2022
-
The show manages to stay on the brink — always laughing, never quite weeping — for its entire length.—
Helen Shaw,
Vulture,
8 Dec. 2021
Adjective
-
Take 25 Hours, in Long Island City, for example, which is freighted with a depressing ambience that is equal parts chemistry lab and subterranean grotto.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Dede Ayite’s costume design nails each character, from Catherine’s slouchy, depressing sweats-and-flannels to Claire’s chic, New York casual-glam.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But his crying scene in Ford v Ferrari is one for the ages.—
Michael Granberry,
Dallas News,
17 Jan. 2020
Adjective
-
The 'merch hauls' on social media are awful, the desperate pathetic influencers trying to clout chase using the Masters are all awful.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
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In a 2024 TikTok video that has reeled in over six million views, Welch shows the pathetic state of her softside suitcase upon her arrival at O’ahu.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The emotional weight of the experience was not lost on Cody, who became visibly teary during the ride.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Still, nothing sparked quite as many headlines—or joyfully teary social media Reels—as the closing moments of episode five.—
Cameron Sperance,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Then, in the Andante movement, the upper strings opened with a glassy sound before the mournful line of the cello entered.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
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Over the years, humpback whale songs have been recorded for human listening, with many describing the songs as having a haunting, mournful quality.—
Patrick Whittle,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tearful. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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