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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tragic

The Brodericks don’t remember their childhood as tragic, exactly. —Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 28 May 2026

Just ten days before the tragic accident, Da Silva, whose nickname was Gaou, had been spotted at the French Team Championships in Amiens, according to L'Equipe. —Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026

For some, watching NASCAR put together a beautiful tribute to the driver last weekend at the Coca-Cola 600 was just the type of thing needed to help the sport get through the days following the tragic news. —Trey Wallace, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026

The tragic shooting of a Denver teenager has rattled the Montbello community. —Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 27 May 2026