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 review will include an examination of the history between the people involved in a domestic killing, and whether warning signs were missed that could have prevented a tragic outcome. — Charles Keeshan, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

Meanwhile, a new dispatch manager arrives to lead Cammie and her team, while Rogue spills about his tragic past to Don and Ryan. — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 2 Nov. 2026

Without that delicate balance, the character could have come off as too bitter, on one end of the spectrum, or too tragic. — Kristen Lopez, IndieWire, 2 Nov. 2026

Decades after Eliza sets out to save her children, archivist Gaynor Baymont, who is haunted by a tragic incident from her childhood, discovers a 200-year-old letter that might finally unlock the truth about her past. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026