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
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pains
Vivian Song, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Eager to assimilate, Japanese farmers took pains to learn English.
—Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
In the 1950s and 1960s, Löwenbräu took great pains to appeal to the American consumer by importing not just its beer, but the entire Germanic drinking experience.
—Martin Fritz Huber, Outside, 6 Nov. 2025
As Flock has spread, activists have taken pains to locate and map Flock cameras.
—Kevin Collier, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2025
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
Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
But while pains de garde can be eaten all week long, baguettes go stale quickly, leading to significant waste in French households.
—Vivian Song, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Eager to assimilate, Japanese farmers took pains to learn English.
—Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
In the 1950s and 1960s, Löwenbräu took great pains to appeal to the American consumer by importing not just its beer, but the entire Germanic drinking experience.
—Martin Fritz Huber, Outside, 6 Nov. 2025
As Flock has spread, activists have taken pains to locate and map Flock cameras.
—Kevin Collier, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2025
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
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
-
The bill passed in June without media attention, while bombs were dropping on Iran.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
-
But Vanderbilt, as attention, pressure and fatigue rise on a pursuit no one outside its camp expected, is essentially two teams with two games left in the 2025 regular season.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Even as federal funding resumes, local colleges, businesses and nonprofits are joining county agencies in maintaining relief efforts for as long as Sacramento-area residents need them.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
12 Nov. 2025
-
The first Black cemetery in Tarrant County, home to the remains of more than 500 veterans, was rededicated on Veterans Day after a months-long restoration effort.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
But my heart aches for baby Bowie.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Listeria infection also causes fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.—
McClatchy Media,
Sacbee.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
But the care and keeping of me?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Any infants experiencing symptoms should have their care provider contacted immediately.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The team envisions this work accelerating the transition from laboratory prototypes to large-scale production, aligning closely with the nation’s carbon peaking and neutrality targets.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Max Olson is writer-director and video artist based in New York & Los Angeles whose work aims to hold up a mirror to the restrictive structures of our world with an eye toward transcendence.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The situation remains devastating but what hurts the most is the silence.—
NPR,
NPR,
8 Nov. 2025
-
While nothing beats a classic, The Hershey Company knows a new sweet treat never hurts.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The All Aligned Ribbed Long-sleeve Henley Dress is made from a soft, ribbed Nulu fabric that’s sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and equipped with plenty of stretch to keep you comfortable on the road and at home.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Especially with two new blockers on the outside, as left tackle Jordan Seaton watched the game in sweats while wearing a walking boot on his right ankle.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pains. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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