1
as in disaster
a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction
the earthquake and the ensuing damage was the worst tragedy to ever befall the city
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2
as in misfortune
bad luck or an example of this
it's the tragedy of many great artists not to be recognized for their genius until after they're dead
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tragedy
The quieter border these days contrasts with the recent years of frequent tragedies along the frontier, including family separations and the 2023 fire at a migrant detention facility in Ciudad Juárez that killed dozens.
—
César Rodríguez, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
To boot, when factoring in the movie’s hefty running time, trailers and a 15-minute intermission, that meant a lengthy and welcome respite from the unfolding tragedy.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Jan. 2025
Personally, a Saturday viewing of the delightful Robbie Williams biopic Better Man was a cathartic and necessary escape from the tragedy.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 17 Jan. 2025
All too often the victory is awarded to the Goliaths who have the resources and expertise available to them due to their immense wealth whilst the Davids’ plight often ends in tragedy and bankruptcy.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tragedy 
César Rodríguez, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
To boot, when factoring in the movie’s hefty running time, trailers and a 15-minute intermission, that meant a lengthy and welcome respite from the unfolding tragedy.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Jan. 2025
Personally, a Saturday viewing of the delightful Robbie Williams biopic Better Man was a cathartic and necessary escape from the tragedy.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 17 Jan. 2025
All too often the victory is awarded to the Goliaths who have the resources and expertise available to them due to their immense wealth whilst the Davids’ plight often ends in tragedy and bankruptcy.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tragedy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tragedy
Noun
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As the potential new lead of the nation's federal national disaster response, Noem may also face questions about her handling of devastating floods in her state.—
Lexie Schapitl,
NPR,
17 Jan. 2025
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Victims can apply for other forms of disaster assistance.—
Solcyré Burga,
TIME,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Unless Johnson shocks everyone and joins Pritzker et al. in telling CTU the truth, Chicago has the unprecedented misfortune of not even having a mayor representing taxpayer interests in this travesty.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Jan. 2025
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Besides being unsightly, Hephaestus was lame and also had the misfortune of an unfaithful wife.—
Cody Cottier,
Discover Magazine,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Rather than address the real force multiplier behind this latest fire, and avoid a climate apocalypse, Republicans would rather make a quick buck off a recall gimmick.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
18 Jan. 2025
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But before the dino apocalypse, the creatures were thought to be abundant in what's now the United Kingdom.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
11 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Another calamity hit just days into the search, when a C-47 crashed south of Whitehorse.—
Francine Uenuma,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 Jan. 2025
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Perhaps this is also key to rebounding from this latest calamity.—
Shawn Hubler,
New York Times,
20 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to tragedy
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Cite this Entry
“Tragedy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tragedy. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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