1
as in attention
strict attentiveness to what one is doing
asked the movers to take pains to be sure that they didn't damage anything while moving the furniture
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in effort
the active use of energy in producing a result
she was at pains to reassure us that everything would be fine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in aches
to feel or cause physical pain
my poor head was paining so from all that racket
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Recent Examples of pains
Emily Hodgson Anderson, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026
Tagovailoa, sporting a gray T-shirt and white ball cap, went through the pains and shortcomings of his past, his expectations for 2026 and the quarterback battle that awaits him in Flowery Branch.
—Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Where the book took pains to explain how Rocky’s biology worked in a scientific manner, thus setting up Grace’s attempt at saving him based on this knowledge, the movie does not.
—Matthew Razak, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Paktyawal began complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains Friday evening while in a holding room at the Dallas ICE field office and was taken to the hospital for treatment, the agency said.
—Aarón Torres, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Her understanding of the pleasures and pains of the female body was grounded in her devout beliefs and mysticism.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Late Friday, officials said, Paktyawal began complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains while at an ICE field office in Dallas, upon which he was immediately taken to Parkland Hospital.
—Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 16 Mar. 2026
The agency, in the years since, has taken pains to culturally move away from that attitude in favor of an approach that sees STAR as a standalone response option on equal footing with police, firefighters and paramedics.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Wilson and Lululemon representatives declined to comment about the proxy battle, but the company has taken pains to point out that Wilson played no role in Lululemon’s boom of the last decade.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
One associate dean couched the misstep as a result of learning pains tied to the adoption of new technology.
—Emily Hodgson Anderson, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026
Tagovailoa, sporting a gray T-shirt and white ball cap, went through the pains and shortcomings of his past, his expectations for 2026 and the quarterback battle that awaits him in Flowery Branch.
—Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Where the book took pains to explain how Rocky’s biology worked in a scientific manner, thus setting up Grace’s attempt at saving him based on this knowledge, the movie does not.
—Matthew Razak, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Paktyawal began complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains Friday evening while in a holding room at the Dallas ICE field office and was taken to the hospital for treatment, the agency said.
—Aarón Torres, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Her understanding of the pleasures and pains of the female body was grounded in her devout beliefs and mysticism.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Late Friday, officials said, Paktyawal began complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains while at an ICE field office in Dallas, upon which he was immediately taken to Parkland Hospital.
—Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 16 Mar. 2026
The agency, in the years since, has taken pains to culturally move away from that attitude in favor of an approach that sees STAR as a standalone response option on equal footing with police, firefighters and paramedics.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Wilson and Lululemon representatives declined to comment about the proxy battle, but the company has taken pains to point out that Wilson played no role in Lululemon’s boom of the last decade.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
But regret pains them like a knot in their shoulders.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pains
Noun
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Plan well in advance The buzz is big — and few Charlotte restaurant openings have gotten this much attention recently.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Thankfully, having children is not a job requirement, but your inner child will rejoice at all the attention.—
Emily Menez,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
At a Tuesday afternoon news conference in Sacramento City Hall, the mother and daughter stood beside their attorney, immigration advocates and local lawmakers — many of whom were involved in a weeks-long effort to bring her home.—
Mathew Miranda
Updated March 31,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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Of course, the usual efforts around going plastic-free and energy-efficient are in place.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In a story translated from Korean, a ghost aches with loneliness after scaring everyone away; in a story translated from Arabic, a midwife is called to aid with the birth of … something.—
Erik Pedersen,
Oc Register,
20 Mar. 2026
-
My heart aches for everyone who suffered alone and in silence for years.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Colorado Hospital Association — which opposes the bill — says state laws require all hospitals to screen patients for discounted care, wait six months before garnishing wages, and provide 30 days' notice.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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Staffers showed up to providers for in-person visits, sometimes checking more than once, and found no child care taking place, which led to immediate termination from the program.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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These questions linger as Ion goes about his day, looking for work, begging for change, and scarfing down a meal—moments that flash by in quick, propulsive blips.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
-
These achievements are linked to the longstanding work between the county, local providers and community partners, officials say.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Critics contend the industry plunders distressed companies, leading to downsizing and cost-cutting that hurts local communities, though other research has pushed back on that reputation.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2026
-
As if that wasn’t enough, declining kidney function also affects your body’s ability to activate vitamin D internally—and low vitamin D also hurts your calcium levels, since the vitamin mediates calcium absorption.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Organizations can benefit by valuing carefulness and concentration not as an obligation, but as a fundamental pillar of success.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The guys have put in blood, sweat and tears to develop a top-four defense two weeks ago.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Rumor had it the gym floor was sealed with the sweat of former players.—
Mark Glende,
Twin Cities,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pains. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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