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 Wagoner relented and Parton, with a song that captured the pain of deep heartbreak, embarked on a solo career almost incomparable in the history of American music. — CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Patricia Quinn, who starred as extraterrestrial maid Magenta, expressed her heartbreak over her costar’s death. — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026 The album, Cole explains, became as much about the support surrounding heartbreak as heartbreak itself. — Krystie Lee Yandoli, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Like November rain in Vancouver or heartbreak for the Canucks at the draft lottery, expansion is an inevitability for the NHL. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartbreak

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartbreak

Noun

The day ended in that same quad with feelings of sorrow, grief, shock and confusion.

— PJ Green August 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Going back to the Mets example, perhaps in an uber-technical sense a Mets’ loss could have marginal economic impact as some fans guzzle more beer to drown away their sorrows.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

The ceremonies provide an outlet for the grief and uncertainty that have gripped so many in Nepal, and ensure that a key religious rite is afforded to the dead.

— Andrew Jones, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
Parton died after a brief battle with cancer, with her death triggering an outpouring of grief, from fellow Hollywood stars to everyday fans who attended makeshift memorials.

— Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of grief

Noun

For Alex’s family, those seven months have done little to dull the anguish over what happened to him — or their determination to see the two officers who fired the shots held responsible.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Some say there is a fine line between anguish or sadness — and laughter.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of anguish

Browse Nearby Words

heartbeats

heartbreak

heartbreaking

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Heartbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartbreak. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of heartbreak

noun

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