ACHING Synonyms: 177 Similar and Opposite Words

aching 1 of 2

adjective

ˈā-kiŋ

Definition of aching

as in sore

causing or feeling bodily pain my poor, aching back

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weeping

expressing or suggesting mourning another one of those aching country songs about a woman who done him wrong

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

aching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of ache

as in hurting

to feel or cause physical pain my feet ache from all that walking

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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 aching

Adjective

The dramatic and aching second movement, according to Egarr, may have been a love letter to one of Beethoven’s romantic interests. — Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 21 Feb. 2026 And no matter what the ultimate tally, every individual is an aching, terrible loss. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026

Verb

The aching reality of life for oppressed Black people is never explicitly referred to. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 Green lasers shot out into the crowd, revealing the faces of fans who’d waited all night on aching feet to see their favorites. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aching

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aching

Adjective

The vaccine’s side effects were mainly the sore arm, fatigue and other reactions typical of mRNA coronavirus vaccination, MD Anderson's Tawbi said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
The vaccine’s side effects were mainly the sore arm, fatigue and other reactions typical of mRNA coronavirus vaccination, Tawbi said.

— Lauren Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of sore

Adjective

And every day, across from them, outside the clinic, about to enter or just leaving, there were women hugging each other and weeping.

— David Mamet, National Review, 11 Aug. 2022
The show manages to stay on the brink — always laughing, never quite weeping — for its entire length.

— Helen Shaw, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2021

Definition of weeping

Adjective

The One About Matthew Perry, a three-part docuseries, out October 27 on Netflix, is more of a celebration of celebrate Perry’s life instead of a mournful tribute or true crime drama about his death and the headline-making trial that followed.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2026
East Suffolk, a windblown span of marshy coastland, has a reputation for stark, mournful beauty, and for drawing creative people with a taste for isolation and escape.

— Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of mournful

Adjective

The woman never brought Melissa back, leaving a heartbroken Apantenco wondering what had become of her baby.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Mike Sweeney’s tutor Royals Hall of Famer Mike Sweeney was heartbroken to learn of Benzinger’s passing.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of heartbroken

Verb

Known as oral allergy syndrome, this cross-reaction can cause symptoms such as itching or tingling in the mouth.

— Lauren Finney Harden, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Applegate has previously described living with symptoms including numbness, an off-balance feeling, and a tingling sensation in the limbs.

— Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026