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

Certain times bring that discussion more to the forefront, especially when tragic realities are brought to light. — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

These tragic flashpoints were mythologized into persecution stories, recast by right-wing Christian leaders not as tragic consequences of radical defiance but as proof of an evil secular government at war with faith and freedom. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026

The series, which starred Nikki Rodriguez, Noah LaLonde, Ashby Gentry, Sarah Rafferty and Carson MacCormac, debuted in 2023 and followed a teen who adapted to life with her guardian’s big family in a small town after a tragic loss. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

One of her nephews, Bryan Seaver, recorded a video at her request to announce the tragic news. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026