HEARTBREAK 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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 heartbreak The film introduces four newcomers – Aarushi Bajaj, Ansh Duggal, Bianca Arora and Piyush Khati – who headline a story centered on friendship, young love, heartbreak and the process of figuring out life as a young adult. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026 Told from the Mother’s perspective, ‘’How Your Mother Met Me’’ allowed fans to get to know — and fall in love with — the Mother’s backstory, sharing in her heartbreaks and joys along the way. — Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026 The arc of this album goes from this place of heartbreak to healing. — Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 Fans and community members expressed heartbreak in response to the longtime bookstore’s social media post, with some thanking the store for its years of service and others reminiscing about fond memories of the location. — Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartbreak

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartbreak

Noun

The day ended in that same quad with feelings of sorrow, grief, shock and confusion.

— PJ Green August 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Going back to the Mets example, perhaps in an uber-technical sense a Mets’ loss could have marginal economic impact as some fans guzzle more beer to drown away their sorrows.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

Moving between Paris and Belo Horizonte, the film explores grief, migration, Black identity and the invisible ties connecting women across generations.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Asked about previously describing the aftermath as losing more than half of his family — including Nick — Jake acknowledged that his brother’s arrest has compounded his grief.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of grief

Noun

For Alex’s family, those seven months have done little to dull the anguish over what happened to him — or their determination to see the two officers who fired the shots held responsible.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Some say there is a fine line between anguish or sadness — and laughter.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 23 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of heartbreak

noun

Example Sentences

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