Meaning & use
heartbreaking
Causing intense sadness or grief, especially through loss, suffering, or a tragic situation.
See it in a sentence
The photographs of the flooded town were heartbreaking, showing families losing everything overnight.
It was heartbreaking to watch the old dog wait by the door for an owner who never returned.
A note on using this word
Heartbreaking emphasizes an emotional response of deep sadness, often stronger and more personal than simply sad.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
heartwarmingjoyful
Make it your own
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