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

Interestingly, a fleeting scene of Noah leaning on his teammates becomes a tragic mirror to Hal never having been able to do so (as a kid or as a Lantern) and John never getting along with his brothers. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026

Still, RadarOnline is reporting that Harry’s plans to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his mother’s tragic death could overshadow Camilla’s 80th birthday. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 28 Sep. 2026

Too much water can cause your brain to swell and can be fatal, as several tragic cases over the years have shown. — Sean McCann, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026

The overtones of social significance are adroitly handled and make real sense in an era of tragic international quarrels. — Thr Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026