HEARTBREAKS 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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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 But on Sunday, every order at the San Fernando Valley mainstay was served with a side of heartbreak as the restaurant marked its final day of business. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 Shortly after their parents’ deaths, Romy and Jake shared a statement to PEOPLE expressing their heartbreak. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for heartbreak

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartbreak

Noun

While firefighter Ed Glover appeared caught between rapture, and deep sorrow.

— Anderson Cooper, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Two people in New Orleans fall in love under an oak tree whose branches bend like sorrow.

— Terry Gross, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

As time passes and questions remain unanswered, the film shows how grief connects, relationships change, and new perspectives emerge.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
For years, Kiganda channeled his grief into advocacy, participating in World AIDS Day to raise awareness about HIV.

— Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of grief

Noun

Her boisterous pre-teen twins Ethan and Caleb are too young to grasp quite what’s at stake; high school sophomore Sophie (Sandler) has rather more vivid memories of going through this anguish before.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
But Alys recognizes the anguish of a man just beginning his cursed life.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of anguish

Browse Nearby Words

heartbeats

heartbreak

heartbreaking

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“Heartbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartbreak. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of heartbreak

noun

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