Synonyms of smarting

smarting 1 of 3

adjective

as in biting

causing intense discomfort to one's skin

we had to press on, despite the smarting sleet that was blowing in our faces

Synonyms & Similar Words

• biting
• bitter
• sharp
• stinging
• keen
• penetrating
• brisk
• shrewd
• piercing
• cutting
• raw
• caustic
• tingling
• corrosive
• snappy
• invigorating
• prickly
• nippy
• needlelike

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mild
• gentle
• soothing
• balmy

smarting

2 of 3

noun

as in ache

Related Words

• ache
• soreness
• pang
• twinge
• hardship
• throe
• danger
• jeopardy
• difficulty
• sorrow
• stitch
• sadness
• asperity
• emergency
• trouble
• unhappiness
• rigor
• heartache
• heartbreak
• pinch
• discomfort
• hurt
• crucible
• joylessness
• anguish
• misery
• cross
• agony
• excruciation
• distress
• pain
• woe
• torment
• tribulation
• torture
• rack
• trial
• travail
• strait(s)
• affliction

Dissimilar Words

• consolation
• relief
• solace
• comfort
• ease
• alleviation
• security
• peace
• assuagement
• well-being

smarting

3 of 3

verb

present participle of smart

as in aching

to feel or cause physical pain

the injection only smarted for a moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aching
• hurting
• throbbing
• tingling
• swelling
• stinging
• paining
• itching
• bleeding
• biting
• cramping
• festering
• nagging
• burning
• racking
• chafing
• suffering
• pinching
• twinging
• pounding
• tormenting
• afflicting
• harrowing
• torturing
• agonizing
• anguishing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of smarting

Verb

The Irish, who have a Heisman candidate in quarterback CJ Carr, bring a 10-game winning streak into the season and still are smarting from being left out of the playoff. — Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

Other than dispirited Red Sox fans still smarting over the ’75 World Series, nobody really hated those Reds. — Steve Buckley, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

After all, some in the party are still smarting about the 2008 presidential primary and more than a few are still stammering about the 2016 one. — Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Aug. 2026

The 90-6 vote showed lawmakers are still smarting from the two historic shutdowns that occurred this past year and want to avoid another before voters go to the polls. — Kevin Freking, Arkansas Online, 28 July 2026

Michelle, who is smarting from Jesse and Lacy’s visible affection, decides to go full Coyote Ugly on the bar. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 July 2026

But, the West Germans looked like dogs chasing cars as the swift Algerians, smarting from the Germans’ strutting arrogance, flowed to a 2-1 upset at Gijón that brought appreciation for Algeria’s audacity and artistry. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026

The French, still smarting from the Treaty of Paris, did not. — Literary Hub, 26 May 2026

Underlying tensions are taut, Iran thinks the US blockade is a violation, the UAE is still smarting from Iranian missile attacks Monday and Tuesday, and Israel is torching a key plank of the ceasefire deal, re-escalating in Lebanon by bombing Hezbollah leaders. — Jennifer Hansler, CNN Money, 7 May 2026