1
as in sad
causing unhappiness
a heartbreaking story of a family torn asunder by war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tragic
of a kind to cause great distress
the heartbreaking state of Main Street now that most of the businesses have closed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pathetic
deserving of one's pity
a heartbreaking attempt to escape that ends in disaster
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of heartbreaking
For many Malibu residents, this new threat to their homes is a heartbreaking reminder of the 2018 Woolsey Fire that erupted in November of that year, Newsweek reported.
—
Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2024
The Lakers, who have been in a lifeless slump for most of the last two weeks after a heartbreaking loss to Orlando and spirit-snapping one to familiar foe Denver, found an actual rhythm early in the second half.
—Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
There’s a heartbreaking moment in this episode when Solo realizes Juliette will have to tear apart the harmonium to make her breathing apparatus.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Vin Diesel Shares Emotional Post About Paul Walker By Jane LaCroix
Contributing Entertainment Writer
1
Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors
Paul Walker's impact is still felt 11 years after his heartbreaking loss.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for heartbreaking 
Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2024
The Lakers, who have been in a lifeless slump for most of the last two weeks after a heartbreaking loss to Orlando and spirit-snapping one to familiar foe Denver, found an actual rhythm early in the second half.
—Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
There’s a heartbreaking moment in this episode when Solo realizes Juliette will have to tear apart the harmonium to make her breathing apparatus.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Vin Diesel Shares Emotional Post About Paul Walker By Jane LaCroix
Contributing Entertainment Writer
1
Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors
Paul Walker's impact is still felt 11 years after his heartbreaking loss.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartbreaking
Adjective
-
However, sad to say, Gmail accounts remain a prime target for attackers of all sorts and understanding the threat is key to getting a grip on mitigating it.Davey Winder, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
-
What kids gain from taking charge of their own feelings Having strong emotional regulation skills doesn’t mean kids won’t feel sad, angry, or frustrated — that’s part of being human.Amy Morin, Contributor, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
This tragic incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of chronic pain, which affects millions of Americans and is often linked to significant mental and emotional distress.Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
-
Obituaries Toni Morrison dead at 88: ‘Beloved’ author captured tragic and joyful complexion of life and race Aug. 6, 2019 As a winner of seven NAACP awards and countless more accolades for her achievements in poetry — Giovanni helped up-and-coming writers.Astrid Kayembe, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Tucker Carlson's Fox News replacement:Jesse Watters is perfectly pathetic These 3 Arizona spots were ranked among top US dive bars for food.Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 11 Dec. 2024
-
The over is the obvious bet here given the pathetic state of both defenses.Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Two of the movies feature both Adams and Julianne Moore, and what’s really depressing is that such a phenomenal pairing got wasted on hapless material.Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
-
And seeing even a preview of that was so depressing for me.Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
My role has not been to judge or point fingers at any party involved in this unfortunate situation.Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024
-
Absentees from injury are unfortunate, suspensions less so.Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The Bucs gained 156 yards on 32 carries, with the Giants’ pitiful tackling paving the way to most of those yards.Dan Duggan, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
-
This pitiful state of affairs has arisen even though the EU has a strong industrial base and counts four of the world’s ten largest arms exporters among its members.Norbert Röttgen, Foreign Affairs, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
In many poor and densely populated neighborhoods across the country, people have access to free, unmetered electricity.Nasser Karimi and Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
-
So this poor kid [who finished in last], this single guy, for a year had to have a Fathead of his buddy in boxers, a giant life-size Fathead above his bed.Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
But as is typical of City at the moment, there was another sudden collapse, this miserable run was extended, and Guardiola’s attempt to fix things failed spectacularly.Mark Critchley, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
-
The storm’s sloppy mess of heavy rain and strong winds will make for treacherous travel and a miserable day in the Northeast’s major cities.Elisa Raffa, CNN, 10 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near heartbreaking
Cite this Entry
“Heartbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartbreaking. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share