Synonyms of tragic

tragic

adjective

ˈtra-jik 

variants also tragical

as in unfortunate

of a kind to cause great distress

in a tragic turn of events the area's sole remaining steel mill suddenly closed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unfortunate
• sad
• disturbing
• regrettable
• disastrous
• lamentable
• terrible
• shocking
• sickening
• deplorable
• distressing
• grievous
• unlucky
• heartbreaking
• woeful
• distressful
• heartrending
• dreadful
• unsettling
• painful
• horrible
• poignant
• traumatic
• troublesome
• awful
• alarming
• severe
• piteous
• horrifying
• doleful
• fearful
• vexatious
• dire
• harrowing
• touching
• moving
• unbearable
• intolerable
• crushing
• calamitous
• overwhelming
• pitiful
• excruciating
• miserable
• affecting
• perturbing
• ruthful
• wretched
• sharp
• raging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rewarding
• satisfying
• gratifying
• pleasing
• encouraging
• comforting
• heartening
• inspiring
• happy
• fortunate
• lucky
• heartwarming
• cheering

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tragic

Doral real estate broker George Pino was charged with manslaughter Thursday after state prosecutors reviewed recent depositions of the girls on the boat when the tragic crash occurred. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2025

This summer’s circumstances have been the opposite of that: tragic, harrowing, traumatic. —Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025

Holden tapped his own turmoil to inform his compelling performance, both cynical and tragic. —Scott Huver, People.com, 10 Aug. 2025

Actor River Phoenix’s story has long haunted Hollywood: A rising star with rare talent and a tragic ending that came far too soon. —William Earl, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025