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

An annual picnic outing for the employees of the Western Electric Company turned tragic on July 24, 1915, when the boat that was to take them from Chicago to Michigan City, Indiana, capsized. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026

The tragic news, which was based on an X account that claimed to be the tortoise’s owner Joe Hollins, picked up widespread media coverage, from the BBC and USA Today to the Daily Mail. —Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 2 Apr. 2026

His appointment comes a few weeks after the tragic death of Peaky Blinders commissioning editor Danielle Scott-Haughton. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026

Vanity Fair Italia spoke to Bossi about the art crime system that springs into action after such a tragic event. —Valeria Vantaggi, Vanity Fair, 1 Apr. 2026