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Synonyms

heart-rending

British  

adjective

  1. causing great mental pain and sorrow

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Example Sentences

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Chinese users of AI-powered companion bots have bid heart-rending farewells to their virtual buddies as national regulations took effect Wednesday aimed at curbing the risk of emotional dependency.

From Barron's Jul. 15, 2026

That leaves IVF patients with the heart-rending decision of when to stop trying.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 14, 2025

One of the most heart-rending moments of series four was when it was revealed that Watts's mum had died of cancer when he was just a child.

From BBC Apr. 19, 2025

"We have some heart-rending stories from families of people with disabilities, who feel that when they don't have cash accepted, it is robbing them of their self-esteem," he said.

From BBC Dec. 4, 2024

A heart-rending moan arose from the shrews in the undergrowth.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

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