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
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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
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Recent Examples of tearful
In a tearful Instagram Stories video, the 34-year-old Bachelorette alum — who was diagnosed with breast cancer in February — addressed the fake death rumors being posted on social media.
—
Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Family friend Nichole Burdick Boyd said her tearful father informed her of Easley’s death.
—Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
Ripa and Consuelos often speak about their beloved pets on the air — including Ripa's tearful revelation in February that their longtime companion, Chewie, died at age 17.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025
As Emmy celebrations peppered the town on Saturday night, a starkly differently occasion left attendees shaken, tearful and reminded of the immersive power of cinema.
—Stacey Wilson Hunt, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tearful
Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Family friend Nichole Burdick Boyd said her tearful father informed her of Easley’s death.
—Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
Ripa and Consuelos often speak about their beloved pets on the air — including Ripa's tearful revelation in February that their longtime companion, Chewie, died at age 17.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025
As Emmy celebrations peppered the town on Saturday night, a starkly differently occasion left attendees shaken, tearful and reminded of the immersive power of cinema.
—Stacey Wilson Hunt, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tearful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tearful
Adjective
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Psyk said he was moved that the coach was emotional speaking to media, alums and boosters.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
11 Oct. 2025
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An emotional Wilson shared an embrace with her partner, Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, following the win.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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How’s this for a sad old country tune?—
Aaron Portzline,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
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The results were a shock to the family, but one that was tinged with a sad realization.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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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
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The show manages to stay on the brink — always laughing, never quite weeping — for its entire length.—
Helen Shaw,
Vulture,
8 Dec. 2021
Adjective
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As a result, his work is equal parts depressing and invigorating.—
Walt Hunter,
The Atlantic,
9 Oct. 2025
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This also doesn’t imply the book is depressing or a tear-jerker—quite the opposite.—
Diana Arterian,
Literary Hub,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But his crying scene in Ford v Ferrari is one for the ages.—
Michael Granberry,
Dallas News,
17 Jan. 2020
Adjective
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Characters can be pathetic, and frank about their Toledo Truth Teller’s bleak prospects.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
23 Sep. 2025
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Jimmy Kimmel is a pathetic hate monger.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Joining hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Savannah Guthrie on the couch, Farizan grew teary while sharing the bittersweet news.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Sep. 2025
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And in recent years, Venice has offered its share of memorable red-carpet looks (think Lady Gaga and her haute couture headpiece) and viral moments that draw the attention of the world (a teary Brendan Fraser basking in a standing ovation).—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Walt Disney Imagineering updated the storyline of Black Widow Bride Constance Hatchway earlier this year by turning her from an axe murderer who beheads her wealthy husbands into a more mournful figure overwhelmed by the dread of lost love.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
13 Oct. 2025
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In this context, even a simple boast about wielding a Beretta sounded mournful.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tearful. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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