1
as in sore
causing or feeling bodily pain
a very painful toothache her broken arm was too painful for her to go on the trip
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in harsh
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
it's been very painful to accept that my father is gone forever
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of painful
The division was widely lauded for its performance during the NFL regulars season, but the Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers all suffered painful pratfalls in their only opportunities in the postseason.
—
Steve Silverman, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Change is inevitable, and with all the growth in the food and drink scene that comes along in Charlotte, there are plenty of painful losses in the form of restaurant closures, too.
—Charlottefive Staff, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 2025
If the body lacks enough potassium, painful muscle cramps or dizziness can disrupt your workout or day.
—Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2025
Too Much follows Jessica, a New Yorker who flees to England for a new job after a painful breakup.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for painful 
Steve Silverman, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Change is inevitable, and with all the growth in the food and drink scene that comes along in Charlotte, there are plenty of painful losses in the form of restaurant closures, too.
—Charlottefive Staff, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 2025
If the body lacks enough potassium, painful muscle cramps or dizziness can disrupt your workout or day.
—Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2025
Too Much follows Jessica, a New Yorker who flees to England for a new job after a painful breakup.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for painful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painful
Adjective
-
Several years later, the property is still a sore subject for Atwater.—
Ben Wieder,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2025
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After all, shin splints, sore feet, and blisters can ruin any activity.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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So, if the Dodgers transition from the team that was unable to win it in a 162-game regular season to a dynasty similar to the Yankees dynasty, then the complaints of harsher regulations against the Dodgers may be warranted.—
Tyler Small,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
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Ideally, opt for an eco-friendly detergent without harsh chemicals.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Somebody Somewhere is tiny: a gorgeous, introspective, intimate story about a woman with devastatingly mundane problems whose chief obstacle is her own aching sense of grief and dislocation.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
9 Dec. 2024
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In this novel about the shape-shifting nature of love, Parsons captures Kit’s grief in aching and honest terms.—
Annabel Gutterman,
TIME,
6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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And having more thoughtful conversations doesn’t preclude the need sometimes to confront those who are needlessly cruel or organizations that benefit from such exploitation.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
18 Jan. 2025
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In recent months, the Justice Department and the state filed thousands of pages of new records in the lawsuit, including reports and sworn statements from pediatricians, scholars and others who describe Florida’s policies as archaic and cruel.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Editor’s picks ‘Brutal beatings’ Cooper and hundreds of Dozier students accused school wardens of torturous abuse over minor infractions, like whippings, beatings, forced labor, and medical neglect.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
15 Dec. 2024
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Minuscule, meticulous, torturous, and incomprehensible to most mortals.—
Jean-Philippe Toussaint,
Harper's Magazine,
22 July 2024
Adjective
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This injury not only caused excruciating pain but also forced her into a desperate situation where humans, slower and less elusive than her natural prey, became her sole means of survival.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
16 Jan. 2025
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The harrowing reality is that Hamas may have once again learned a chilling lesson: that abducting Israelis is a devastatingly effective tactic to fracture Israeli society and extract excruciating concessions.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Andreeva decided to turn pro after losing an agonizing Australian Open girls final two years ago.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
The Athletic,
18 Jan. 2025
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Her release brought indescribable relief, but each day before her name appeared on the list revealed the agonizing uncertainty families must endure.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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On Wednesday, morning temperatures dipped into the single digits, with wind chills amplifying the bitter cold.—
Raul A. Reyes,
Newsweek,
23 Jan. 2025
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Listen to this article Loading your audio article As much of the U.S. endures the bitter cold, the MLB hot stove isn’t exactly offering much warmth.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
23 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near painful
Cite this Entry
“Painful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painful. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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