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

In 1995, after Selena’s tragic death at the hands of Yolanda Saldivar, the former president of her fan club, Abraham dedicated his life to safeguarding her legacy and overseeing primary control over her estate. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Following the tragic chain reaction, the woman was declared dead at the scene, reported WPEC. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

But the brutality becomes off-putting after a while and a tragic plot element in the final act seems unearned. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

After John launched his solo career in 1970, marrying Ono the year before, John and Yoko released the transcendent record, Double Fantasy, in 1980, the final album before Lennon’s tragic murder. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026