ACHING Synonyms: 177 Similar and Opposite Words

aching 1 of 2

adjective

ˈā-kiŋ

Definition of aching

as in sore

causing or feeling bodily pain my poor, aching back

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weeping

expressing or suggesting mourning another one of those aching country songs about a woman who done him wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

aching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of ache

as in hurting

to feel or cause physical pain my feet ache from all that walking

Synonyms & Similar 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 aching

Adjective

The dramatic and aching second movement, according to Egarr, may have been a love letter to one of Beethoven’s romantic interests. — Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 21 Feb. 2026 And no matter what the ultimate tally, every individual is an aching, terrible loss. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026

Verb

The aching reality of life for oppressed Black people is never explicitly referred to. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 Green lasers shot out into the crowd, revealing the faces of fans who’d waited all night on aching feet to see their favorites. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aching

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aching

Adjective

Floodplain development has been a particularly sore subject in Benbrook as the suburb on the western edge of Fort Worth grapples with responsible growth.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026
Millbrook Resort, nearby, has more of a resort feel, with apartments as well as rooms and a spa for sore ski legs.

— Chloe Sachdev, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of sore

Adjective

And every day, across from them, outside the clinic, about to enter or just leaving, there were women hugging each other and weeping.

— David Mamet, National Review, 11 Aug. 2022
The show manages to stay on the brink — always laughing, never quite weeping — for its entire length.

— Helen Shaw, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2021

Definition of weeping

Adjective

Harvard Health’s advice on coping with holiday grief suggests adjusting celebrations or starting new traditions when old ones feel too painful.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026
In theory, the war’s descent into a painful stalemate should open the door to diplomatic outcomes.

— ALLISON MINOR, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of painful

Adjective

The One About Matthew Perry, a three-part docuseries, out October 27 on Netflix, is more of a celebration of celebrate Perry’s life instead of a mournful tribute or true crime drama about his death and the headline-making trial that followed.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2026
East Suffolk, a windblown span of marshy coastland, has a reputation for stark, mournful beauty, and for drawing creative people with a taste for isolation and escape.

— Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of mournful

Adjective

The victim’s heartbroken father said his son had been bullied by a couple of students at the school who were recently suspended — and believes the bullying may have something to do with Javits’ murder.

— Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
The death of Sir Patrick Stewart has left Hollywood heartbroken as his co-stars, colleagues, and fellow actors recall rare encounters, days on set, and priceless advice the acting legend shared with them.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of heartbroken

Verb

The spidey senses of a Monterey school administrator started tingling when an invoice the food services director submitted for eggs, bacon and potatoes at Costco came with an exorbitant price tag.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Known as oral allergy syndrome, this cross-reaction can cause symptoms such as itching or tingling in the mouth.

— Lauren Finney Harden, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026