teary

adjective

ˈtir-ē How to pronounce teary (audio)
tearier; teariest
Synonyms of tearynext
1
a
: wet or stained with tears : tearful
teary eyes
b
: consisting of tears or drops resembling tears
2
: causing tears : pathetic
a teary story

Synonyms of teary

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Examples of teary in a Sentence

There were many teary eyes among those in the audience. He made a teary farewell to the fans.
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.
Rojas, who spoke through reddened, teary eyes after the game, knows the family well. — Liana Handler follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 There, Sam unleashes reams upon reams of monologues about their past at a teary Mary, who fills in a few gaps. — Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026 Still, nothing sparked quite as many headlines—or joyfully teary social media Reels—as the closing moments of episode five. — Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2026 Lawmakers in the House and Senate plugged away with some final formal votes, in between lengthy and teary tributes to the members who are term-limited or otherwise not returning to the Capitol. — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for teary

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Phrases Containing teary

Rhymes for teary

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Browse Nearby Words

tear up
teary
teary-eyed
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Cite this Entry

“Teary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teary. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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