1
as in disaster
a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction
the earthquake and the ensuing damage was the worst tragedy to ever befall the city
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in misfortune
bad luck or an example of this
it's the tragedy of many great artists not to be recognized for their genius until after they're dead
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tragedy
Listen to this article The grief over the tragic Hudson River helicopter crash has spread from New York to Spain, as both those who knew the family of five who died and those who did not struggle with the tragedy.
—
Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025
After all, there’s no better place to stage a Greek tragedy.
—Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Almost immediately after the roof caved in, Cruz called President Abinader to alert him of the tragedy even while she was trapped under the rubble, according to First Lady Raquel Arbaje.
—Max Saltman, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
Kilmer’s passion for performing was fostered early — during an active, adventurous childhood in Chatsworth, Calif., making homemade films and plays alongside his brothers Mark and Wesley — and also shaped by tragedy.
—Kara Warner, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tragedy
Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025
After all, there’s no better place to stage a Greek tragedy.
—Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Almost immediately after the roof caved in, Cruz called President Abinader to alert him of the tragedy even while she was trapped under the rubble, according to First Lady Raquel Arbaje.
—Max Saltman, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
Kilmer’s passion for performing was fostered early — during an active, adventurous childhood in Chatsworth, Calif., making homemade films and plays alongside his brothers Mark and Wesley — and also shaped by tragedy.
—Kara Warner, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tragedy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tragedy
Noun
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The disaster led to passage of the Federal Coal Mine and Safety Act, which in turn added the miners' surveillance program under the respiratory health division at NIOSH.—
Yuki Noguchi,
NPR,
9 Apr. 2025
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Last month, the EU Commission urged its 450 million citizens to stockpile enough food, water and essentials for 72 hours in the event of emergencies like cyberattacks, climate disasters, disease and also geopolitical conflicts.—
Vivian Song,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Philadelphia 76ers have faced tremendous misfortune this season with injuries and now could also have to give up a lottery pick to the Thunder.—
Nick Crain,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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The Rays’ misfortune in losing their home at the Trop was offset by the timing of the Yankees having just completed a massive upgrade to their facility, expanding player/staff space to around 50,000 square feet with top-of-the-line accessories.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The exquisite adaptation of the popular video game delivered a stunning first season in early 2023 that reanimated the zombie apocalypse genre.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA TODAY,
17 Mar. 2025
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The Bondsman never seems to know quite how seriously to take the state of Hub’s soul, or the looming possibility of apocalypse, or all the many, many deaths along the way.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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And Tim’s ongoing legal calamity eventually collides with Gaitok’s attempt to prove himself in the aftermath of the robbery.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2025
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Although appetites for visions of collision and calamity remained healthy beyond, the prospect of cometary catastrophe became derided in the annals of serious science.—
Thomas Moynihan,
Big Think,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tragedy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tragedy. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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