Synonyms for

Heartbreak

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

Definition

A feeling of great sadness and emotional pain, especially because someone you love has stopped loving you or has died.

Synonyms & similar words

heartache grief brokenheartedness sorrow grief anguish sadness misery despair woe agony desolation melancholy suffering pain heartache disappointment loss unhappiness dejection regret despondency mourning

Synonyms by register

Formal

anguish sorrow grief distress

Informal

bummer downer sadness woe is me

Literary

woe dolor desolation

Antonyms

joy happiness elation contentment pleasure delight euphoria

Common collocations

  • intense heartbreak
  • crushing heartbreak
  • emotional heartbreak
  • sudden heartbreak
  • experience heartbreak
  • deal with heartbreak
  • survive heartbreak
  • heal from heartbreak

Word family

noun heartbreak
verb break someone's heart
adjective heartbroken

Usage note

Heartbreak refers to intense emotional suffering, typically caused by the loss of a loved one or a failed romantic relationship. It is a strong emotional state.

Example sentences

  1. He felt heartbreak when he saw his crush with someone else.
  2. The death of her grandmother caused her heartbreak.
  3. The breakup with her boyfriend left her feeling heartbroken.
  4. The movie was so sad that it gave me heartbreak.
  5. She tried to hide her heartbreak, but her friends could tell something was wrong.

Quotes

  • 'Heartbreak could be lived with if it weren't accompanied by regret.' - Laura Kasischke
  • 'Grief is not as heavy as guilt, but it takes more away from you.' - Veronica Roth
  • 'The emotion that can break your heart is sometimes the very one that heals it.' - Nicholas Sparks

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words