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.
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 The Dodgers’ clubhouse was closed for more than 35 minutes after the game, partly to process that heartbreak but also to give manager Dave Roberts and veteran infielder Miguel Rojas, who announced his retirement, a chance to address the team. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Did that heartbreak ultimately lead you to say no to Lanterns? — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 Rubio weaves stories about heartbreak, drugs, and the slippery, occasionally hallucinatory process of finding your way back to your own life. — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 16 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 20 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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