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

Family and close friends are having a hard time processing Shalini's tragic death. — Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

But Edward, possessed of a tragic backstory and an iron will, isn’t giving up so easily. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026

Zvyagintsev’s story, like Chabrol’s, imagines the tragic fallout of a husband discovering his wife’s infidelity. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

Frank Culbertson had a birds-eye view of one of the most memorable and tragic events in American history. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2026