painless

adjective

pain·​less ˈpān-ləs How to pronounce painless (audio)
Synonyms of painlessnext
1
: not causing or accompanied by physical pain : not painful
a painless skin growth
painless medical procedures
… the medical exam may include an electrocardiogram, or EKG. This noninvasive test is a painless procedure that measures your heart's activity.Sarah Shelton
The relatively painless injections are intended to provide temporary relief for arthritic pain and stiffness.Larry Katzenstein
2
: not difficult : not causing or involving complications or emotional distress
There's an easy way to apply for federal aid in the form of grants and student loans: Just fill out the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It's a fairly painless process, and you can even do it online.Maurie Backman
a quick and painless solution
painlessly adverb
painlessness noun

Examples of painless in a Sentence

getting paid to watch and review movies seems like a painless way to earn a living
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.
In the past, hailstorms were seen as temporary, relatively painless weather events. Ethan Stone, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026 That's Pasricha's term for a state of being where doing your business is painless and worry-free. Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026 Those who join the study will have the painless, dime-sized Velcro-like circles placed on seven different spots on the body; one set for 20 minutes, others on for 24 hours, so two groups of seven in all, Robison said. Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026 The new test, developed by PinkDx, is quick, straightforward and painless, according to the company. Dr. Chidimma J. Acholonu, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for painless

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of painless was in 1534

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Cite this Entry

“Painless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/painless. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

painless

adjective
pain·​less ˈpān-ləs How to pronounce painless (audio)
1
: not experiencing pain
2
: not causing pain : not accompanied by pain : not painful
painless surgery
painlessly adverb

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