headache

noun

ˈhed-ˌāk How to pronounce headache (audio)
Definition of headachenext
1
as in job
a dull, unpleasant, or difficult piece of work filling out all the required forms was a real headache

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nuisance
something that is a source of irritation one of the headaches of being a band teacher is never knowing if the school's music program will be cut

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 headache After six days, 57% of study participants who had VYD2311 injected into the muscle of their upper arm reported headaches, chills, fatigue or pain at the injection site — the typical side effects associated with vaccinations. — Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026 In Argentina, despite a burgeoning hydrocarbon sector, higher energy costs have renewed inflation concerns and created a headache for Milei, whose disapproval rating spiked to 63 percent in late April, up from 49 percent at the start of the year. — Dan Restrepo, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026 Extreme heat can cause symptoms like dizziness, nausea and headaches. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 Owner Ruben Granados Martinez said the restaurant outgrew its old spot on East Independence Boulevard and cited ongoing renovations at a neighboring business that made parking a headache. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for headache
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headache
  1. job
  2. nuisance
  3. killer
  4. frustration
  5. burden
  6. thorn
  7. effort
  8. worry
Noun
  • Her first job as CEO in 2014 was to remake the century-old company’s corporate culture and regain customers’ trust following a tragic, reputation-wrecking ignition-switch crisis.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But when Angus shows up at Johnny’s job and makes fun of him in front of all his corporate-jerk friends, Johnny stands up for himself via a right hook.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of job
Noun
  • Take some time to seal gaps in window and door frames with weatherproof caulk to prevent fall stink bug problems, along with roaches, boxelder bugs, cluster flies, and other nuisances.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Those feedings typically run afoul of associations’ governing documents and their rules and regulations due to the potential nuisances, unsanitary conditions, property damage, and liabilities that feral cats and other animals can create.
    — Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • One penalty, in particular, was a killer for the maize and blue.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • This week’s photographs include a public tour of serial killer Dorothea Puente’s former home and medals for the 319th Expeditionary Signal Battalion.
    — Nathaniel Levine, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of killer
Noun
  • Players slapped each other’s helmets in frustration while angry voices carried from the sideline.
    — D’Joumbarey Moreau, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Rubin acknowledged the union’s frustrations in a response to the no-confidence vote, but said there were no funds available to increase overtime.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of frustration
Noun
  • Janelle King, one of four Republicans on the five-member board, said during a meeting Thursday that such a requirement would impose new burdens on county election officials, including possibly having to hire additional poll workers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • When murder escalates from a scheme to action, her secret becomes an unbearable burden to carry.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of burden
Noun
  • More recently, Hannah Hidalgo has been a thorn in the Huskies’ sides, though UConn got past ND in the Elite Eight last March.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Oil, which in recent weeks has been a thorn in the stock market's side, provided the first source of relief Monday.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of thorn
Noun
  • For decades, the European Union has led the world in implementing policies designed to cut emissions, creating the world’s most important price on carbon and crafting the rules of the road for a wide range of regulatory efforts.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Pan, a pediatrician, made national headlines while in the Legislature for leading California’s efforts to enact strict school vaccine laws.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of effort
Noun
  • Thankfully, my worries turned out to be unfounded, because the talent show in this episode turns out to be her time to shine.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The agency faces a $9-billion loss, a looming cash crunch and election-year worries over late mail ballots; Steiner urged voters to send ballots a week early.
    — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of worry

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Cite this Entry

“Headache.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headache. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on headache

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about headache

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