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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pains
Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Colleagues who failed to take similar pains earned his everlasting disdain.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
Like regular depression, SAD can cause negative feelings like hopelessness, worthlessness, irritability, and guilt; fatigue or reduced energy; a loss of interest in hobbies and activities; and even physical aches and pains (including headaches, cramps, and digestive problems).
—Maggie O'Neill, SELF, 20 Oct. 2025
There is even a massage with horses, during which a horse grazes nearby while a massage therapist works out your aches and pains.
—Katie Lockhart, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025
Like, the sharp pains, the ache, that squeezing.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
Research finds that more than 70% of women experience MSM during menopause, which include loss of muscle mass, bone density and joint aches and pains.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 Oct. 2025
Aches and pains don’t compare to the agony of an unrealized dream.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025
Longterm symptoms include body pains, skin conditions and immune-system issues.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025
Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
The movie takes pains to illustrate how the possible end of the world will begin like any other day.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Colleagues who failed to take similar pains earned his everlasting disdain.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
Like regular depression, SAD can cause negative feelings like hopelessness, worthlessness, irritability, and guilt; fatigue or reduced energy; a loss of interest in hobbies and activities; and even physical aches and pains (including headaches, cramps, and digestive problems).
—Maggie O'Neill, SELF, 20 Oct. 2025
There is even a massage with horses, during which a horse grazes nearby while a massage therapist works out your aches and pains.
—Katie Lockhart, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025
Like, the sharp pains, the ache, that squeezing.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
Research finds that more than 70% of women experience MSM during menopause, which include loss of muscle mass, bone density and joint aches and pains.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 Oct. 2025
Aches and pains don’t compare to the agony of an unrealized dream.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025
Longterm symptoms include body pains, skin conditions and immune-system issues.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025
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
-
Fear, devotion, inquisition, obsession, admiration – all attention is good attention.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Even so, there’s still time for any 2026 NFL Draft hopefuls to catch the attention of pro scouts.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In recent days, the grassroots effort has spread, as messages offering and seeking assistance are cut, copied and pasted throughout communities big and small, connecting neighbors and finding those in need tangible help.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Hendrix and Bersten received a 36 for their efforts last week.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
While the flu is traditionally associated with symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache and fatigue, children and adults alike can experience moderate to severe complications.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
-
After sitting at my sewing machine for a couple of hours, my neck aches and my right foot is stiff from standing to attention over the pedal.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Tabor and Sheriff Jay Cantrell both said the new quarantine space, along with other spaces being added for medical care, the intake and release of detainees, and court proceedings may allow the sheriff's office to open some areas to new programming.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The family is reflecting on their experience at Knollwood in the facility-care system.—
Marisa Peñaloza,
NPR,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
But the organization needs resources to sustain its essential work and to achieve its laudable goal of ending elder hunger in the city in the next 15 years.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Many people took the day off from work and brought their children to take part in the festivities.—
Steve Futterman,
NPR,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
However, both Sheth and Mehta said supplemental screening for women with breast implants never hurts.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
28 Oct. 2025
-
There’s a lot of optimism and spontaneity surrounding this zodiac sign, so even conversations that leave you laughing until your stomach hurts wouldn’t be out of the ordinary.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Like your favorite pair of sweats, a roomy top is the item in any closet always worth returning to.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Bedding essentials like cooling mattresses, breathable sheets, and gel pillows are all necessities anytime of year to ensure a sweat-free sleep.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pains. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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