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.
True to the messy nature of a break-up, the 14-song track list mirrors all of the tug and pull phases of heartbreak. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026 Ramona and Oona’s Breakup Ramona’s decision to go to New York results in heartbreak for both her and Oona (Bo Bragason). — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 Lynsi Snyder, president of the fast-food chain, did not reveal her name but expressed heartbreak over her death. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 Aug. 2026 Growing up in Manhattan with her twin brother (Keen Ruffalo, son of Mark) and adoptive dad (Jay Duplass), Annie, just 17, will discover a new world, one with a first love and, perhaps, first heartbreak. — Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on heartbreak

Nglish: Translation of heartbreak for Spanish Speakers

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