heart-wrenching

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.

News of the dingoes' euthanisation was "heart-wrenching", he told Australian media, adding however that he recognised it may be necessary for safety because of the pack's behaviour.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

The chairman of Pakistan's Senate, Yusuf Raza Gilani, called it "a heart-wrenching incident that turned celebrations into mourning".

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2026

Time and again, Ann’s hope is met with heart-wrenching pain, and to hear Seyfried’s angelic voice laced with her character’s despair is quite unlike anything I have ever experienced watching a film, musical or otherwise.

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2025

The most heart-wrenching reunion is between two teenage girls and involves a not-quite-murder.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

Pathos is the appeal you see uppermost in the heart-wrenching, expensively printed flyers that pop through your letterbox asking for donations to charity.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith