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.

A tearful Nancy Iskander told jurors that she was crossing a road when she saw her two older sons disappear as a white speeding Mercedes plowed through the crosswalk.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

At this point in the police interview she became tearful.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he learnt of his side's Premier League title win from his tearful son while he had a barbecue in the garden.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Blasting from my car speaker, Dr. Becky sounds sincere to the point of tearful.

From Slate • May 10, 2026

They watched till the end when a golden girl from Texas won the shining crown and took her tearful walk amidst flashing bulbs.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

tearful

Example Sentences

Related Words