heartbreaking

adjective

heart·​break·​ing ˈhärt-ˌbrā-kiŋ How to pronounce heartbreaking (audio)
Synonyms of heartbreakingnext
1
: causing intense sorrow or distress
heartbreaking news
a heartbreaking defeat
2
: producing an intense emotional reaction or response
heartbreaking beauty
heartbreakingly
ˈhärt-ˌbrā-kiŋ-lē How to pronounce heartbreaking (audio)
adverb
a heartbreakingly tragic movie

Synonyms of heartbreaking

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Examples of heartbreaking in a Sentence

She wrote a heartbreaking story about the death of her grandfather. It was heartbreaking to know that there was nothing I could do. The team suffered another heartbreaking defeat.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In a heartbreaking moment, Paula asks why Trevor chose her, and Ashley softens a bit. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 1 July 2026 After years spent documenting these events and trying to bring the story to light, Bolerjack is ready to share this shocking and deeply heartbreaking story with the world. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 June 2026 Before long, Brown ended up seeing Gio's heartbreaking reaction for himself. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Mass Street exited with a heartbreaking 84-81 loss to Team Colorado. — Latif Love july 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartbreaking was in 1591

Rhymes for heartbreaking

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Browse Nearby Words

heartbreaker
heartbreaking
heartbroken
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Cite this Entry

“Heartbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartbreaking. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on heartbreaking

Nglish: Translation of heartbreaking for Spanish Speakers

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