Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

tearful

[teer-fuhl] / ˈtɪər fəl /
ADJECTIVE
crying, very upset
Synonyms
WEAK
bawling blubbering blubbery distressed dolorous in tears lachrymose lamentable lamenting moist mournful pathetic pitiable pitiful poignant sad sniveling sobbing sorrowful teary watery weeping weepy wet whimpering woeful
Antonyms
WEAK
cheerful happy

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.

The day after Jessica’s tearful ride home, her dad told her that her mom had disappeared.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

The demonstrations in L.A. were often tearful affairs, she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

Frightened people jostled their way on, leaving tearful goodbyes on the platform with those staying to fight.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Co-founder and CEO Jenny Goodman said she received an all-caps message with a smiling, tearful emoji from her director of operations after the ruling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

Then Sazonov escorted the tearful German ambassador to the door.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman