Synonyms for

Heartache

Verb / ˈhɑ:ˌrteɪk / Another word for heartache — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Heartache is a feeling of sadness or emotional pain that is caused by a difficult or unhappy situation.

Synonyms & similar words

heartbreak brokenheartedness grief anguish grief sorrow misery sadness pain discomfort distress woe agony torment hurt heartbreak affliction trouble disappointment dejection melancholy despair pang

Synonyms by register

Formal

sorrow grief distress anguish

Informal

bummer downer sadness woe is me

Literary

woe dolor heartbreak

Antonyms

joy happiness pleasure contentment elation bliss

Common collocations

  • deep heartache
  • emotional heartache
  • heartache and pain
  • heartache of loss
  • a pang of heartache
  • endure heartache
  • cause heartache

Word family

noun heartache
adjective heartaching

Usage note

Heartache typically refers to emotional pain, often related to love or loss. It is a common and widely understood term.

Example sentences

  1. I felt a heartache when my dog ran away from our house.
  2. The heartache of losing a loved one never goes away.
  3. Her heartache was so intense that she couldn't stop crying.
  4. His heartache was visible on his face.
  5. The heartache of rejection can be overwhelming for some people.

Quotes

  • "It is strange how often a heart must be broken before the years can make it wise." - Sara Teasdale
  • "Heartache is very fertile ground for song-making but so is happiness, so is absolute bliss." - KD Lang
  • "Heartache is a familiar theme in music. You could argue that music comes from heartache, it comes from longing." - Sara Bareilles

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