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in tears

ADJECTIVE
tearful
Synonyms
WEAK
bawling blubbering blubbery distressed dolorous lachrymose lamentable lamenting moist mournful pathetic pitiable pitiful poignant sad sniveling sobbing sorrowful teary watery weeping weepy wet whimpering woeful
Antonyms
WEAK
cheerful happy
ADJECTIVE
teary
Synonyms
STRONGEST
mournful poignant sad sorrowful watery weeping weepy
WEAK
bawling blubbering blubbery distressed dolorous lachrymose lamentable lamenting moist pathetic pitiable pitiful sniveling sobbing wet whimpering woeful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
happy joyful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Many were too shocked to speak, uttering few words before breaking down in tears or retreating into silence.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

Every time the cameras panned to sections of the Tynecastle crowd, somebody was in tears, somebody looked in pain, somebody was watching with their head in their hands.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

With prose so heartfelt and insightful, I was in tears by the preface.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

A video posted online showed Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, in tears as she was escorted from the dinner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Werfel paused to catch his breath, almost in tears.

From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin

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