1
as in sad
causing unhappiness
a heartbreaking story of a family torn asunder by war
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of heartbreaking
The opening and final scenes are heartbreaking as the white hobo bag sits — aged, battered and slightly misshapen — on a rock in the Tuscan countryside, staring at the gray sky.
—
Samantha Conti, WWD, 13 Feb. 2025
Related article Freed Israeli hostages did not know their loved ones had died
After his release, Or received the heartbreaking news that his wife Einav had been killed in the October 7 attack.
—Michael Rios, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025
Marist dropped to 16-4 (9-2 in the MAAC) with the heartbreaking loss to Fairfield and will look to bounce back against Iona on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
—Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025
Neal Bluestein, Boca Raton Shameful mass deportations The new administration’s brutal deportation plan is appalling and heartbreaking in too many ways to describe.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Samantha Conti, WWD, 13 Feb. 2025
Related article Freed Israeli hostages did not know their loved ones had died
After his release, Or received the heartbreaking news that his wife Einav had been killed in the October 7 attack.
—Michael Rios, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025
Marist dropped to 16-4 (9-2 in the MAAC) with the heartbreaking loss to Fairfield and will look to bounce back against Iona on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
—Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025
Neal Bluestein, Boca Raton Shameful mass deportations The new administration’s brutal deportation plan is appalling and heartbreaking in too many ways to describe.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartbreaking
Adjective
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Especially sad is the case of Netta, one of Liat’s three children, who survived the attack.—
Jordan Mintzer,
The Hollywood Reporter,
20 Feb. 2025
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But after a third season that saw Billy (Gil Bellows) strut around with a coterie of women from a Robert Palmer video before dropping dead of a brain tumor, this outing is remarkably grounded, poignant…and sad.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The documentary explores tragic teenage murders that gained global attention, including the deaths of British footballer Charlie Cosser and American cheerleader Tristyn Bailey.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
26 Feb. 2025
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Michelle Trachtenberg’s former costars are remembering the actor after her tragic death at age 39.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In a bravura theatrical performance, Hawke makes the genius truly pathetic.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
18 Feb. 2025
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Blonsky imbues the lead character of Tracy Turnblad, who could be a pathetic figure in lesser hands, with enough vitality to make the whole film feel fresh, even close to two decades after its release.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Whether the Nationals pitching staff can hold up, healthy and effective in an incredibly difficult division, is another pressing question — with a depressing answer: probably not — but at least the bats will be worth watching.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
The Athletic,
12 Feb. 2025
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Listen to this article Super Bowl parties are on the rise this year thanks to the need to decompress from a most depressing start to 2025, along with the rising cost of packages at bars and restaurants.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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There is an unfortunate flipside, though: Bond Could Receive Questionable Franchise Extensions That’s been the fear since Amazon acquired MGM in 2020.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
21 Feb. 2025
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But over the last few weeks, bagel eaters around the city have been confronted with some unfortunate news: Signs are plastered across shop counters stating a $1.25 additional surcharge for any bagel sandwiches featuring eggs.—
Zoya Hasan,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Kubrick’s film is a hell of a black comedy that satirizes the mediocrity of middle-class life: In the director’s world, fathers are pitiful providers, mothers are blandly cheerful (while quietly suffering enormously), and the kids see far more than their parents do.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
21 Feb. 2025
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The result was a pitiful offensive performance by Kansas City and one of the worst games of Mahomes’ career.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC News,
10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Without education, students with disabilities face higher rates of poverty, unemployment, poor health, and social isolation.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
17 Feb. 2025
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Cosgrove, a rookie revelation in 2023, is looking to bounce back after a poor 2024 season.—
Dennis Lin,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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There’s no sugarcoating it: Being sick can be miserable.—
Amy Panos,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Feb. 2025
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The way McAvoy used his great stick and heavy body to make life miserable for Canadians, including his Bruins teammate, Brad Marchand.—
Michael Russo,
The Athletic,
16 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Heartbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartbreaking. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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