1
as in disaster
a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction
the earthquake and the ensuing damage was the worst tragedy to ever befall the city
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in misfortune
bad luck or an example of this
it's the tragedy of many great artists not to be recognized for their genius until after they're dead
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 tragedy
Listen to this article The grief over the tragic Hudson River helicopter crash has spread from New York to Spain, as both those who knew the family of five who died and those who did not struggle with the tragedy.
—
Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025
After all, there’s no better place to stage a Greek tragedy.
—Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Almost immediately after the roof caved in, Cruz called President Abinader to alert him of the tragedy even while she was trapped under the rubble, according to First Lady Raquel Arbaje.
—Max Saltman, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
Kilmer’s passion for performing was fostered early — during an active, adventurous childhood in Chatsworth, Calif., making homemade films and plays alongside his brothers Mark and Wesley — and also shaped by tragedy.
—Kara Warner, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tragedy
Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025
After all, there’s no better place to stage a Greek tragedy.
—Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Almost immediately after the roof caved in, Cruz called President Abinader to alert him of the tragedy even while she was trapped under the rubble, according to First Lady Raquel Arbaje.
—Max Saltman, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
Kilmer’s passion for performing was fostered early — during an active, adventurous childhood in Chatsworth, Calif., making homemade films and plays alongside his brothers Mark and Wesley — and also shaped by tragedy.
—Kara Warner, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tragedy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tragedy
Noun
-
The disaster led to passage of the Federal Coal Mine and Safety Act, which in turn added the miners' surveillance program under the respiratory health division at NIOSH.—
Yuki Noguchi,
NPR,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Last month, the EU Commission urged its 450 million citizens to stockpile enough food, water and essentials for 72 hours in the event of emergencies like cyberattacks, climate disasters, disease and also geopolitical conflicts.—
Vivian Song,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Marking the start of the solar calendar, it’s known for its anything-goes water festivities: Participants armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses splash each other in a symbolic cleansing of sins and washing away of misfortunes that allow a fresh start in the new year.—
Lisa Wong Macabasco,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
-
But someone’s misfortune is always another bettor’s blessing.—
Vik Chokshi,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The exquisite adaptation of the popular video game delivered a stunning first season in early 2023 that reanimated the zombie apocalypse genre.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA TODAY,
17 Mar. 2025
-
The Bondsman never seems to know quite how seriously to take the state of Hub’s soul, or the looming possibility of apocalypse, or all the many, many deaths along the way.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
How to sear into a reader’s brain the profound calamity of a dozen savage killings?—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Trump spoke before the worldwide stock market calamity finally got to him.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tragedy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tragedy. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share