heartbreaking

adjective

heart·​break·​ing ˈhärt-ˌbrā-kiŋ How to pronounce heartbreaking (audio)
Synonyms of heartbreakingnext
1
: causing intense sorrow or distress
heartbreaking news
a heartbreaking defeat
2
: producing an intense emotional reaction or response
heartbreaking beauty
heartbreakingly
ˈhärt-ˌbrā-kiŋ-lē How to pronounce heartbreaking (audio)
adverb
a heartbreakingly tragic movie

Synonyms of heartbreaking

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Examples of heartbreaking in a Sentence

She wrote a heartbreaking story about the death of her grandfather. It was heartbreaking to know that there was nothing I could do. The team suffered another heartbreaking defeat.
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.
Despite heartbreaking moments, like MJ not remembering him, the movie is praised for its emotional depth, action, and Tom Holland's irreplaceable portrayal, culminating in a bittersweet ending where a handshake offers a glimmer of hope. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 After four seasons of dramatic adventures and heartbreaking losses, breakout stars Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss and Drew Starkey are returning to their beloved North Carolina characters one more time. — Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 Moving a tree is difficult, and cutting one down is heartbreaking. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 Thank you for your generosity, compassion, and support during this heartbreaking time. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartbreaking

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartbreaking was in 1591

Rhymes for heartbreaking

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Heartbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartbreaking. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on heartbreaking

Nglish: Translation of heartbreaking for Spanish Speakers

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