Synonyms for

Tragic

Verb / ˈtrædʒɪk / Another word for tragic — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow

Synonyms & similar words

tragical dreadful disastrous heartbreaking miserable horrible unfortunate woeful catastrophic sorrowful grievous painful melancholy pitiful disheartening calamitous lamentable depressing saddening funereal dismal

Synonyms by register

Formal

calamitous catastrophic disastrous grievous

Informal

awful terrible dreadful lousy

Literary

woeful dolorous pathos-laden

Antonyms

happy joyful fortunate lucky cheerful blessed auspicious

Common collocations

  • tragic accident
  • tragic figure
  • tragic event
  • tragic loss
  • tragic hero
  • tragic circumstances
  • tragic flaw

Word family

noun tragedy
adverb tragically

Usage note

Often used to describe events or situations involving great suffering, destruction, or distress. It implies a sense of profound sadness and often a loss of life or dignity.

Example sentences

  1. The story of Romeo and Juliet is a tragic love story.
  2. The earthquake had tragic consequences for many families.
  3. The loss of the championship was a tragic end to the team's season.
  4. The death of the famous actor was a tragic loss for the entertainment industry.
  5. The fire was a tragic accident that destroyed the entire building.

Quotes

  • The tragedy of life is not so much what men suffer, but rather what they miss. - Thomas Carlyle
  • The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think. - Horace Walpole
  • The tragedy of war is that it uses man's best to do man's worst. - Henry Fosdick

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