achingly

adverb

ach·​ing·​ly ˈā-kiŋ-lē How to pronounce achingly (audio)
Synonyms of achinglynext
1
: in an aching manner
achingly sad songs
2
: extremely, exceedingly
achingly complicated

Examples of achingly in a Sentence

an achingly funny movie
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mostly, though, Jimmy exists to frustrate and magnetize the men who love him; Tom Sturridge is especially, achingly good as his devoted partner and caretaker. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 May 2026 Through the character’s complex and often tense relationships with her teenage daughter, her sister and her mother, as well as with other women in her village, Dusabejambo has crafted a story that’s both emblematic and achingly specific. Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2026 And Malia is also achingly lonesome for her family life, with a sister about to get married and a doting father played, in this headache-inducingly twisty psychodrama’s most refreshing meta-twist, by Romanian director Radu Jude. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 18 May 2026 The film takes its title from an achingly beautiful ranchera by the late Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, a friend of Almodóvar’s. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for achingly

Word History

Etymology

aching + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of achingly was in 1765

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Cite this Entry

“Achingly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/achingly. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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