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

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Erika Kirk, whose husband, the conservative activist Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed last September, was in tears.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

In private, Davy said, he often broke down in tears.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Many were in tears, feeling that their every vulnerability was now exposed.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama