tearjerking

Brings on weeping

Tearjerking describes something designed to provoke tears or strong emotion, especially through sentimental or manipulative means: a tearjerking movie, a tearjerking reunion scene.

The word often carries a hint of criticism—suggesting the emotional response is being manufactured rather than earned.

A tearjerker is the thing itself: That film was a real tearjerker.

sentimental

weepy

Inclined to cry

  • maudlinExcessively tearful sentiment
  • sappyExcessively sentimental
  • schmaltzyExcessively and insincerely sentimental

mushy · nostalgic · bittersweet · wistful · overwrought · manipulative · saccharine · sugary · melodramatic · tearstained

emotional

poignant

Evoking keen emotion

stirring · heartfelt · profound · powerful · gripping · evocative · resonant · heartwarming · heartrending · gut-wrenching

response

sobbing

Convulsive crying aloud

sniffling · blubbering · whimpering · misty-eyed · teary · bawling · tissues · handkerchief · composure · overwhelmed

film

melodrama

Sensational, emotionally overwrought drama

  • tragedyDisastrous or sorrowful event
  • romanceLove and its excitement
  • dramaTheatrical art or turmoil

tearstained · screening · climax · ending · finale · reunion · sacrifice · farewell · Titanic · Bambi

Opposites
emotional impact on audience

tearjerkingunemotional

Lacking outward feeling

dry-eyed · unmoving · emotionless · cold · stoic

emotional register/tone

tearjerkinghilarious

Extremely amusing

lighthearted · comedic · funny · uplifting · cheerful

Family

tear, jerk, jerky, tearful, jerked, jerking, tearjerker, jerkily, jerkiness

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G