PAINSTAKING Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

painstaking 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpān-ˌstā-kiŋ

Definition of painstaking

as in meticulous

taking, showing, or involving great care and effort she was always painstaking about her work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

painstaking

2 of 2

noun

as in effort

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of painstaking

Adjective

That's a painstaking process involving dozens of other experts that will ultimately set the stage for the kind of larger, multisite trials that can get at some fundamental questions for scientists and the public. — Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026 Even when working with certified cotton backed by transaction certificates, tracing the fiber back through the supply chain took hours of painstaking investigation. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 Conceived in collaboration with Coppola and sponsored by Cartier, the Château de Versailles is staging an exhibition about the film’s fascinating origin, painstaking production and cultural impact. — Stephanie Sporn, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026 The planters are original to the stadium’s 1962 construction, and many had crumbled badly enough over the decades to need painstaking repair. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for painstaking

Recent Examples of Synonyms for painstaking

Adjective

Harris also helped shape the movie’s imagination sequences, pushing Pixar’s artists toward more spontaneous, painterly images rather than the studio’s usual meticulous realism.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
While the restorations are only to the marble surface of the building, the meticulous nature of the job would have disrupted all aspects of the Plaza experience for would-be guests.

— Timothy Latterner, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of meticulous

Noun

The president talked up Jackson and Senate candidate Mike Collins as part of the White House effort to boost GOP enthusiasm in the upcoming elections.

— DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Rowling has been staunchly critical of transgender rights activists, funding legal efforts to protect women’s rights and penning X/Twitter posts that are considered to be attacks by the trans community.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of effort

Adjective

Full-scale, 10-foot Hulk standins helped actors and camera crews judge his dimensions on set, and even his pants required careful attention.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Turning a field into a recognizable maze requires specialized planning and careful execution.

— Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

Even if every senator were ethical, conscientious and committed to the public good, the incentives would remain the same.

— Nicholas Jacobs, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
And there is a bonus benefit — people who are concerned about the future tend to make more conscientious decisions about the present.

— John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of conscientious

Noun

Of course, the persistence of traders to keep doubling down on AI could also be a sign of a bubble.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Passion opens the door, but sustainability requires strong partnerships, financial discipline, persistence and good operations.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of persistence

Adjective

Motherhood may not have been her calling, but Sabrina Popo was a loving and affectionate grandmother.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
God is the one divine Mind, and what God knows is what’s real – including each of us as His creation, spiritual, loving, whole, and helpful.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2026