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

Connie Thornburgh, Palm Beach South Florida’s mean streets Another day, another tragic headline. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026

No choice, no road, no hope— only the endless repetition of the sordid and the semi-tragic. —Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026

Facebook posts announcing the tragic events received more than 12,000 comments. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026

Going deeper into the home, firefighters made a tragic discovery. —Mary Lebus, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Mar. 2026