1
as in sore
causing or feeling bodily pain
a very painful toothache her broken arm was too painful for her to go on the trip
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in harsh
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
it's been very painful to accept that my father is gone forever
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 painful
The woman did not report the amount as taxable, arguing unsuccessfully that she was being paid for undergoing the painful procedure of egg removal and that the payment represented damages for physical injuries.
—
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
In recent years, Baltimore County’s fire and EMS community has experienced painful losses within its own ranks, reminders of the risks that come with this profession.
—Nick Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026
If not, this learning experience will be painful.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 9 May 2026
Brooklyn has had lottery nights go both ways, though the painful ones tend to stick longer.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for painful
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
In recent years, Baltimore County’s fire and EMS community has experienced painful losses within its own ranks, reminders of the risks that come with this profession.
—Nick Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026
If not, this learning experience will be painful.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 9 May 2026
Brooklyn has had lottery nights go both ways, though the painful ones tend to stick longer.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for painful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painful
Adjective
-
Stretching or using a foam roller on sore or tight muscles can apply pressure to the fascia while stretching the limb, Kanjiya says.—
Scott Haak,
EverydayHealth.com,
6 May 2026
-
In a steam room, the moist heat will soothe sore muscles and joints and can be useful for conditions like arthritis or muscle stiffness.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
The barren landscape, despite its harsh conditions (daytime temperatures often exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit), was—and still is—famous for its connection to many legends of treasure.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
-
Drivers may also experience smoother brake operation because the system avoids the harsh pedal pulsing commonly associated with older anti-lock braking systems.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
Its cruel and even lawless excesses have reverberated around the globe.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
9 May 2026
-
This is how cruel football can be.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Sixteen months after leaving Wolves following a torturous end to a once-promising tenure, O’Neil has set about rebuilding his coaching career in the unlikely surroundings of France’s Ligue 1.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Activists claim the animals were living in torturous conditions and were being used for medical research.—
Brady Halbleib,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
If The House is Burning captured the joie de vivre of reclaiming your life after years of disassociation and detachment, IT’S BEEN AWFUL depicts the excruciating process of living with your eyes wide open, of holding up the mirror to your face and not looking away.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
Pitchfork,
6 May 2026
-
Some of those have been excruciating, ended long winning streaks, came at the buzzer or in overtime.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
The kidnapping has been a highly public, agonizing ordeal for Savannah Guthrie, who only recently returned to her morning show seat alongside Craig Melvin.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
11 May 2026
-
Politicians are polling, strategizing — and agonizing.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Sara Duterte and President Marcos were running mates in a whirlwind alliance in the 2022 election but have since had a bitter falling out.—
Jim Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
-
Another defeat and the same bitter taste of Thunder second-half dominance.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Painful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painful. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
