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

The tragic and avoidable death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who was thrown from a runaway carriage, punctuates the urgent need for reform. — Wayne Pacelle, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

Tuesday was the first day of school for students in Grand Junction, and the western Colorado school district shared a statement during the day about the tragic car accident over the weekend that claimed the lives of several students. — Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Our concern right now is being there to support the victim’s family and our Team Members affected by this tragic event. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The deaths, attorney Tom Ford said, are preventable, tragic accidents, but despite years of advocacy from various safety organizations, an average of 37 children still die of vehicular heatstroke every year. — Andre Butso, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026