painstaking 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpān-ˌstā-kiŋ How to pronounce painstaking (audio)
Definition of painstakingnext
as in meticulous
taking, showing, or involving great care and effort she was always painstaking about her work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

painstaking

2 of 2

noun

as in effort

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 painstaking
Adjective
The painstaking restoration is part of an unusual public science project. — ABC News, 22 July 2026 The process of restoring the murals consists of the painstaking removal of up to 12 layers of white paint, followed by conservation of the art. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 21 July 2026 The engineering shop teamed up with KRT Framework for the aluminum bodywork, which came together over 800 hours of painstaking shaping and sculpting by hand. — New Atlas, 19 July 2026 One original feature reminds her every day why the painstaking work is worth it. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for painstaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painstaking
  1. meticulous
  2. effort
  3. careful
  4. pains
  5. conscientious
  6. persistence
  7. loving
  8. diligent
Adjective
  • The meticulous renovation of Gresham Palace, which opened as a Four Seasons in 2006, set the bar high for the numerous other restoration jobs currently underway.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Its longevity stems from Stone's focus on a supportive team culture, direct sourcing from regenerative farms, and meticulous waste management to preserve tight margins.
    — Esha Chhabra, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of meticulous
Noun
  • Houthi spokesman Nasruddin Amer said on X on Friday that the group will continue to target any Saudi buildups in an effort to lift the kingdom’s blockade on Yemen.
    — Fatma Khaled, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The significant time and effort involved makes most sense when recruiting, hiring, training, and mentoring large numbers for identical (or at least similar) jobs.
    — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of effort
Adjective
  • South Korea’s finance minister has apologized for launching the riskier products without careful consideration.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Regulators have been careful to note that the action targets concentrated and synthetic products, not natural leaf containing trace amounts.
    — Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of careful
Noun
  • Fouad Saeed Abdulkadir, then 46, died in 2025 after complaining of severe chest pains.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026
  • And Ford’s Bergg took pains to emphasize that its low price wasn’t coming from where customers would notice.
    — Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of pains
Adjective
  • Even the most conscientious hand washers who use a basin or a full sink still use two to four times as much water as the average dishwasher cycle.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026
  • That’s how John Sugar goes from conscientious private eye to would-be assassin.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 July 2026
Definition of conscientious
Noun
  • On Wednesday night, Budapest recorded its warmest overnight temperature on record, with temperatures falling only to 28 C (82 F), underscoring the persistence of the extreme heat.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • This quiet midseason retirement, following his last game on July 25, highlights the often-unheralded end to dedicated minor league careers, even for those showing persistence and loyalty to a single franchise.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of persistence
Adjective
  • Lopez-Cornejo's family remembers him as a loving son, brother and father.
    — Nick Caloway, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The bright artwork and friendly prose capture the complexities of kids’ emotions and celebrate the fun that a loving caregiver and child can have together even when life feels tough.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of loving
Adjective
  • The unknowable force that does not lend itself to hope, prayer, diligent actions, good intentions or rigorous effort.
    — Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • James also arrives at the arena atypically early, part of a diligent pregame routine.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of diligent

Browse Nearby Words

pains in the neck
painstaking
painstakingly
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Cite this Entry

“Painstaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painstaking. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of painstaking for Spanish Speakers

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