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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

Jack Walker, the man who bankrolled Rovers' Premier League title four years earlier, was tearful in the Ewood Park terraces.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

They went ahead with the event, but opened with tearful remarks about losing one of their own and a moment of silence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

"We keep hearing missiles over our heads. I’m terrified," the artist posted in a tearful video on Instagram Saturday.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

Just a few tearful minutes, then on with the day.

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom