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
Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
In April, 44-year-old Marie Ange Blaise, a Haitian, died while being held at GEO’s Pompano Beach facility after complaining of chest pains.
—Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
In the years after Sony acquired Columbia Pictures in 1989, there were some infamous integration pains, as the culture of the Japanese electronics conglomerate struggled to come to grips with Hollywood’s ways.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 22 Sep. 2025
Fans have long complained about the pains of buying tickets to their favorite shows on sites like Ticketmaster and Live Nation.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Following a 38-week pregnancy, Soliana arrived within 40 minutes of labor pains, Perez explained.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Security area Architects went to great pains to make the security lines run by the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, as stress-free as possible.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Sep. 2025
After their first job of the day, Monroe asked his boss to take him to a Weatherford emergency room for chest pains and back pain, Susan said.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2025
Former President Biden took great pains to try and forgive student loans for college students, even though the cost to future taxpayers would be enormous and economically stunting.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
For many, the virus results in flu-like symptoms, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, per the CDC.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
In April, 44-year-old Marie Ange Blaise, a Haitian, died while being held at GEO’s Pompano Beach facility after complaining of chest pains.
—Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
In the years after Sony acquired Columbia Pictures in 1989, there were some infamous integration pains, as the culture of the Japanese electronics conglomerate struggled to come to grips with Hollywood’s ways.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 22 Sep. 2025
Fans have long complained about the pains of buying tickets to their favorite shows on sites like Ticketmaster and Live Nation.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Following a 38-week pregnancy, Soliana arrived within 40 minutes of labor pains, Perez explained.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Security area Architects went to great pains to make the security lines run by the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, as stress-free as possible.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Sep. 2025
After their first job of the day, Monroe asked his boss to take him to a Weatherford emergency room for chest pains and back pain, Susan said.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2025
Former President Biden took great pains to try and forgive student loans for college students, even though the cost to future taxpayers would be enormous and economically stunting.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 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
-
On September 23, the Jurassic World Rebirth star dazzled in a brown blazer, silky pants, and a glittery necklace that caught our attention.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Nelson turned his attention to full-time church leadership in 1984, later joining the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the church’s second-highest governing body, and rising to take the helm as church president in January 2018.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The Democratic nominee for mayor also gave a speech at an African Methodist church, an effort to bridge the gap with apprehensive Black voters.—
Amie Parnes,
The Hill,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The improved profitability came as Beijing intensified efforts to rein in excess supply and aggressive price wars that had hurt companies' bottom line.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
For many, the virus results in flu-like symptoms, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, per the CDC.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
-
My heart aches for that poor boy.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Other reasons to seek additional care can include continued irritation, watering, burning, eye pain, mucus discharge, sensitivity to light, reduced vision and any flaking, discharge or sores on the eye or eyelid.—
Hannah Yasharoff,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
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The inquest is expected to consider some or all of the concerns that were raised at the time and reported by The Athletic in the immediate aftermath, with multiple eyewitnesses alleging failings in the care provided by Sheffield Wednesday and its medical services.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But according to government guidance, personnel must return home as soon as possible if a shutdown occurs while on work travel.—
Anne Flaherty,
ABC News,
30 Sep. 2025
-
His work with rural counties has earned favorable notices, but in urban areas like Phoenix, many of the experts in Joan's reporting raised questions about Livar's effectiveness.—
Shaun McKinnon,
AZCentral.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This is where Reed Garrett’s injury hurts the Mets; the right-handed reliever is more platoon-neutral.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Mayor Koch is only feeding into the doubters and deniers who fail to recognize that sometimes the truth hurts, but what’s the other option?—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
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They’re made with the same ultra-soft Nulu fabric that’s sweat-wicking and stretchy; however, the new ones are made without seams.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Made from breathable, sweat-wicking stretch fabric, they’re designed with a subtle kick flare for a flattering fit.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pains. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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