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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tragic
My condolences to those others who have been effected by this tragic destruction.
—
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 5 Feb. 2026
While all eyes were focused on recent tragic events in Minnesota, another tragedy of immense magnitude has been unfolding in Iran.
—Hamid Kashani, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
Andrew Torgeshev and Max Namoff, of course, who is well known for a tragic reason because his parents were on flight 5342 in Washington, that tragedy.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
When some people in severe distress imagine a peaceful end to what feels like unbearable pain, the availability of medical assistance in dying may shape their thinking, and current safeguards do not seem sufficient to prevent tragic outcomes.
—Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tragic
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 5 Feb. 2026
While all eyes were focused on recent tragic events in Minnesota, another tragedy of immense magnitude has been unfolding in Iran.
—Hamid Kashani, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
Andrew Torgeshev and Max Namoff, of course, who is well known for a tragic reason because his parents were on flight 5342 in Washington, that tragedy.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
When some people in severe distress imagine a peaceful end to what feels like unbearable pain, the availability of medical assistance in dying may shape their thinking, and current safeguards do not seem sufficient to prevent tragic outcomes.
—Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tragic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tragic
unfortunate
Adjective
-
And that’s how the forward ended up under a too-bright light at the end of this season, burdened with the unfortunate responsibility of being one of the few players the front office felt was worth investing in long term.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
After Ellis’ unfortunate and sudden passing in 1986, Marc Jacobs was named creative director of the brand in 1988.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tragic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tragic. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
