tragic

adjective

ˈtra-jik How to pronounce tragic (audio)
variants also tragical
Definition of tragicnext
as in unfortunate
of a kind to cause great distress in a tragic turn of events the area's sole remaining steel mill suddenly closed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tragic Hayden Panettiere's on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson broke his silence after the sudden and tragic death of the actress. — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Tributes from fans and colleagues across Hollywood have poured in following Panettiere’s tragic death. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026 Weeks before Hayden Panettiere’s tragic death on August 16, the longtime animal rights advocate used her celebrity platform to raise awareness for dolphins and whales held in captivity. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026 Wladimir Klitschko is speaking out after his ex-fiancée Hayden Panettiere’s tragic death at age 36. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tragic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tragic
unfortunate
Adjective
  • That understanding for the narrator is one tinged with mourning for the boy who endured but also the suspect boy who was always there, even before all the unfortunate happenings.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The first addresses inflammation and irritation (an unfortunate side effect of vitamin C, for some people).
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfortunate

Browse Nearby Words

tragedy
tragic
tragically
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Cite this Entry

“Tragic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tragic. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tragic

Nglish: Translation of tragic for Spanish Speakers

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