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

Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Wilco’s Nels Cline, Ed Sheeran, Rachel Zegler, Finneas, and many more took to their social media accounts to sing his praises following his sudden and tragic death. — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2026

Season 5 finds the Pogues at their absolute breaking point following the tragic loss of JJ in Morocco. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 July 2026

There was something both truthful and tragic about that conclusion. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026

On July 29, Irish singer-songwriter and actor Glen Hansard passed away at the age of 56 after a tragic motorcycle accident. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026