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

At the same time, there’s still lingering concern about how far the Bellarie family’s head of security, Jules (Charles Malik Whitfield), might go in his search for the truth about his son Glen’s (Ace Small) tragic death. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026

Further details were shared about the tragic crash in a hearing at the Kent and Medway Coroner’s Court this week. — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Refn and co-screenwriter Esti Giordani seem to see Elle as a mythological tragic hero, equal parts Electra and Oedipus. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Despite a less tragic upbringing that saw her family spend time abroad, the vibrant but cynical Yasmina (Mounia Akl) has grown bitter toward her birthplace and toward life itself. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 July 2026