Tearful/ˈtɪrfl/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Moments Use 'tearful' to describe moments filled with emotion causing someone to cry. During the award ceremony, the winner's speech was tearful. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Sad 'Tearful' can also express happiness or relief, not exclusively sadness. The reunion with her dog was tearful yet happy. Pro Tip 3/3Intensity 'Tearful' often implies a strong emotional response but less than sobbing. He received the news with a tearful nod.