HEARTBREAK Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

heartbreak

noun

ˈhärt-ˌbrāk

Definition of heartbreak

as in sorrow

deep sadness especially for the loss of someone or something loved I understand the heartbreak you must feel over your grandmother's death

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of heartbreak Over the course of nearly two decades, the singer’s music has traced the full arc of romance — from the excitement of new love and the sting of heartbreak to reflections on lasting commitment. — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026 On June 30, the 56-year-old actress and singer appeared on the social media interview show Subway Takes and shared her candid thoughts on heartbreak. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 30 June 2026 Over the course of 12 original studio albums, the 14-time Grammy winner has chronicled heartbreaks and happily-ever-afters that have made her one of the most celebrated songwriters of her generation. — Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 The real draws, however, are the two star-making performances by Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos, whose extraordinary and viscerally raw explorations of sensuality and heartbreak saw them jointly (and deservedly) awarded the Palme d’Or with the film’s director. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartbreak

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartbreak

Noun

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow over the crash and offered condolences to the victims' families.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Croatia’s World Cup exit was not without a fight, with a last-minute, stoppage time goal that likely had fans screaming at the TV in jubilation, and then in sorrow.

— Alex Connor, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

After learning that her friend Shannon’s mother has died in a car accident, Elle is suddenly facing her first real encounter with grief and, unable to sit with it, throws herself into planning the memorial, down to selecting the music.

— Angelina Mazza, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
This town has known seasons of many stripes, from that autumn of grief after 9/11 to that spring of solitude and trepidation as COVID-19 first emerged.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of grief

Noun

Some mourners, gathering at the funeral of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Saturday, expressed both anguish and a desire for vengeance.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
And with that decision, the company narrowed the chance that the mother’s anguish could draw attention to any danger the formula might pose to other infants.

— David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Definition of anguish

Browse Nearby Words

heartbeats

heartbreak

heartbreaking

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Style

“Heartbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartbreak. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of heartbreak

noun

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