What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tearlike
Example
The diamond had a tearlike shape. [tearlike: adjective]
Example
The sauce had a tearlike consistency. [tearlike: adjective]
Example
Her voice was tearlike as she spoke about her lost pet. [tearlike: adjective]
tearful
Example
She was tearful when she received the news of her grandmother's passing. [tearful: adjective]
Example
The movie's ending was so sad that it left many viewers tearful. [tearful: adjective]
Example
He was a tearful child who cried at the slightest provocation. [tearful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tearful is more commonly used than tearlike in everyday language, as it is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts. Tearlike is less common and more specialized, and is typically used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tearlike and tearful?
Both tearlike and tearful can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but tearful is more commonly used in everyday language and is therefore more informal than tearlike, which is more specialized and technical in nature.
