heartrending

heart·rend·ing

adj \ˈhärt-ˌren-diŋ\

Definition of HEARTRENDING

: heartbreaking 1a

— heart·rend·ing·ly \-diŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of HEARTRENDING

1. <couldn't bear to see the heartrending photos of victims of the famine>
2. <a heartrending choice between saving his daughter or his son>

First Known Use of HEARTRENDING

1594

Related to HEARTRENDING

Synonyms: depressing, dismal, drear, dreary, heartbreaking, sad, melancholy, mournful, pathetic, saddening, sorry, tearful, teary

Antonyms: cheering, cheery, glad, happy

Related Words: deplorable, distressful, grievous, lamentable, unfortunate, woeful; discomforting, discomposing, disquieting, distressing, disturbing, perturbing; affecting, moving, poignant, touching; discouraging, disheartening, dispiriting

Near Antonyms: heartening, heartwarming, inspiring, stimulating, stirring, uplifting; agreeable, delightful, enjoyable, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, welcome; exhilarating, thrilling

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Rhymes with HEARTRENDING

ascending, attending, fence-mending, goaltending, mind-bending, nerve ending, unbending, unending