heartbreak

noun

heart·​break ˈhärt-ˌbrāk How to pronounce heartbreak (audio)
Synonyms of heartbreaknext
: crushing grief, anguish, or distress
has had more than her share of heartbreak

Synonyms of heartbreak

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Examples of heartbreak in a Sentence

He recently suffered a string of romantic heartbreaks. I understand the heartbreak you must feel over your grandmother's death.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Their faces reflected the anger, hope, and heartbreak of the moment. — Jeannine Chiang, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 Grandstand has been here through winning seasons, rebuilding seasons, heartbreak and everything in between. — CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 Ponyboy Curtis was played by Jordan Deandre Williams, who conveys all the pent-up angst and heartbreak of the sensitive, literary 14-year-old protagonist when commanding a song. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 This divorce story is not about sadness, disappointment, personal limitations, or heartbreak. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartbreak

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartbreak was in the 14th century

Rhymes for heartbreak

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Browse Nearby Words

heart bond
heartbreak
heartbreaker
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Cite this Entry

“Heartbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartbreak. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

heartbreak

noun
heart·​break -ˌbrāk How to pronounce heartbreak (audio)
: crushing grief, anguish, or distress
heartbreaking
-ˌbrā-kiŋ
adjective
heartbreakingly adverb
heartbroken
-ˌbrō-kən
adjective
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