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

Oliver Tree's girlfriend is speaking out following his tragic death on Sunday. —Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 17 June 2026

Emilie Kiser is opening up about her 3-year-old son's tragic death in depth for the first time. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 17 June 2026

The restaurant is to be named in homage to Tafari Campbell, a former White House chef and private cook for the Obamas, who passed away in a tragic accident. —Ximena N. Beltran Quan Kiu, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 June 2026

Russell takes on the role of Preston Clyburn, a father and husband whose tragic death suddenly alters his family's lives. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 16 June 2026