heartbreak

noun

heart·​break ˈhärt-ˌbrāk How to pronounce heartbreak (audio)
Synonyms of heartbreaknext
: crushing grief, anguish, or distress
has had more than her share of heartbreak

Synonyms of heartbreak

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Examples of heartbreak in a Sentence

He recently suffered a string of romantic heartbreaks. I understand the heartbreak you must feel over your grandmother's death.
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.
On October 24, 2006, Taylor Swift was released—the debut album by a 16-year-old with blonde curls, cowboy boots, and a special talent for turning heartbreak into hits. — Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026 Her family and her community, the one that embraced her through her heartbreak and loss, are her focus now. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Upsets, near-upsets and general wackiness; pageantry, pride and good old-fashioned heartbreak. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026 But, the heartbreak would come sneaking around the bend over what might be the wildest 20 seconds of recent Big Ten memory, thanks to the insane final few minutes. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartbreak

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartbreak was in the 14th century

Rhymes for heartbreak

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Browse Nearby Words

heart bond
heartbreak
heartbreaker
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Cite this Entry

“Heartbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartbreak. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

heartbreak

noun
heart·​break -ˌbrāk How to pronounce heartbreak (audio)
: crushing grief, anguish, or distress
heartbreaking
-ˌbrā-kiŋ
adjective
heartbreakingly adverb
heartbroken
-ˌbrō-kən
adjective
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