"Tugged at the heart" is a phrase used to express deep emotions such as sadness, sympathy, or nostalgia. When trying to convey these feelings, it's important to have a range of synonyms to choose from. Some synonyms for "tugged at the heart" include "moved me deeply," "pulled at my heartstrings," "struck a chord," "stirred my soul," "touched my spirit," and "touched my heart." These synonyms can be used interchangeably, depending on the context and the emotion you are intending to convey. Whether it's in writing or speaking, having a wide vocabulary of emotional expressions will help you to better convey your thoughts and feelings to others.