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Synonyms

heartbreaker

American  
[hahrt-bray-ker] / ˈhɑrtˌbreɪ kər /

noun

  • heartbreakers
    plural
  1. a person, event, or thing causing heartbreak.


heartbreaker British  
/ ˈhɑːtˌbreɪkə /

noun

  1. a person or thing that causes intense sadness or disappointment

"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

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Etymology

Origin of heartbreaker

1655–65; heartbreak + -er 1


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.

See Examples For:

"I lost the third set. All good - he played very well, served very well. But the fourth set tie-break was a heartbreaker for me," Nadal said.

From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who fell 140-138 to Miami in an overtime heartbreaker on Monday, rallied to turn the tables with a 130-116 triumph over the Heat.

From Barron's ● Nov. 13, 2025

“Seven Tears” has a light rockabilly swing and continues Springsteen’s affinity for the number seven, and “Unsatisfied Heart” is a heartbreaker, a legendary fan favorite that’s finally seeing the light of day.

From Salon ● Jul. 8, 2025

Still, her notoriety as a heartbreaker has simultaneously granted her sainthood status from fans, who created fake prayer cards of the enchanting star to bolster their own love life.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2025

They ignored me and belted out the heartbreaker part where the mother must leave her baby.

From "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia

Having also given up a double-digit lead to the Saints earlier this year, the Giants are now 2-8 on the season, but a handful of heartbreakers away from being right in the playoff mix.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 10, 2025

But there are some devastating heartbreakers on this record, the kind of song that gets under your skin whether you want it to or not.

From Salon ● Sep. 2, 2025

She has dealt with her share of layabouts, deadbeats and heartbreakers.

From New York Times ● Mar. 28, 2024

The last time Penn State and Utah made appearances in the Rose Bowl, they lost hard-fought heartbreakers that were among the most entertaining contests in the game’s history.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 1, 2023

Dumpers may not always be the heartbreakers, and the Dumpees may not always be the heartbroken.

From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green

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