heartbreak

noun

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

Synonyms

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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.
On that note, heartbreak and hardship is now unfortunately so part and parcel to the Cuban condition, but the show is also really funny. — Nicholas Ducassi, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025 Many fans speculated that the heartbreak theme of his Why Lawd? — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2025 Jessica Simpson isn't holding back about heartbreak. — Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025 One Mom Has Had Enough When one Texas mom took to TikTok to share her daughter's heartbreak over being bullied for having a knockoff Stanley cup, the response was divided. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025 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 30 Mar. 2025.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on heartbreak

Nglish: Translation of heartbreak for Spanish Speakers

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