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

But the Deer family’s tragic turn underscores the challenges many people are fighting. —Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

With the story moving more or less in real time — 15 hour-long episodes for a single 15-hour shift — patients with gory injuries and tragic stories come and go more quickly than the health care workers can process. —Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026

But when a tragic car accident takes Heli and the children, Barbara is left alone. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026

More than a week since a tragic shooting struck a Denver family during an Easter barbecue near Russell Square Park, one mother is now mourning the loss of her son. —Gabriela Vidal, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026