ACHY Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

achy

adjective

ˈā-kē

Definition of achy

as in sore

causing or feeling bodily pain unable to play in tomorrow's football game because of an achy right knee

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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 achy Because descending stairs is a demanding braking task, many people start to notice achy knees on their way down. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 These ergonomic neoprene handle wraps provide additional cushioning around the handles of your carry-on or checked suitcase, a dream for tired, achy hands after a day of tugging luggage. — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026 The on-sale, supremely supportive, shock-absorbing Max Cushioning Endeavour Canova Sneakers are achy feet’s dream, whether they’re worn for standing, walking, or running. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 23 June 2026 Early symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue and achy muscles. — Jane Weaver, NBC news, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for achy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for achy

Adjective

Harvard Health Publishing notes that sloppy technique can strain the neck and leave you stiff and sore, which happen to be some of the same symptoms people blame on tech neck.

— Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026
My arm is sore from holding my phone at arm’s length for 10 minutes during the media scrum after the show.

— Vogue, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of sore

Adjective

The homestretch of the drama, however, takes the story in a chilling direction, packing an aching quantity of feeling into a single glance at a security camera as someone climbs into a car and leaves the compound, never to be heard from again.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 26 May 2026
Charles Frazier, Cold Mountain (1997) Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain is an aching, tender slow burn shaped by absence.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026

Definition of aching

Adjective

His path crosses with Naoko, a Japanese tourist carrying the weight of a painful past, and Ruby, a young child searching for his parents.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Rising financial strains on American workers are forcing them to make painful trade-offs, such as skipping medical care, to make ends meet, new research shows.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of painful

Browse Nearby Words

achromatic

achy

acid

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“Achy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achy. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of achy

adjective

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