PAINFUL Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

painful

adjective

ˈpān-fəl

Definition of painful

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

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

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 painful For thousands of Venezuelans, however, the absence of definitive answers has become one of the tragedy’s most painful consequences. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026 The track is about cautiously opening yourself up to a new relationship after a painful breakup, finding comfort in someone who appreciates the very qualities a former partner criticized. — Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Yet the President’s disclosure of his own stunning crypto profits has arrived at a painful moment for anyone who has bought what the Trumps have been selling—often, his own political supporters. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 2 July 2026 The proposal could, in theory, help administrators avoid painful solutions for recipients, such as a reduction of Social Security payments. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for painful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for painful

Adjective

Also Wednesday, the team scratched shortstop Mookie Betts from the starting lineup because of a sore right wrist.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Guests who get after it on Vail’s ski slopes and hiking and biking trails can book a CBD massage or pop into the self-care lounge and soothe sore muscles with Hyperice massage guns and Normatec leg compression sleeves.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

Definition of sore

Adjective

White settlers and frontier pioneers built vast, fenceless cattle stations, battling harsh environments and disease, embracing a hard-living culture that exists to this day.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Dish Soap Using harsh chemicals on the outside of your toilet bowl and fixtures is not recommended, according to Meagher.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

Definition of harsh

Adjective

The homestretch of the drama, however, takes the story in a chilling direction, packing an aching quantity of feeling into a single glance at a security camera as someone climbs into a car and leaves the compound, never to be heard from again.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 26 May 2026
Charles Frazier, Cold Mountain (1997) Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain is an aching, tender slow burn shaped by absence.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026

Definition of aching

Adjective

The heat has become so unbearable in Japan that weather officials in April announced a new term for days when maximum temperatures exceed 104 degrees — kokushobi, meaning harsh or cruel heat, according to the Japan Times.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
For thousands of Venezuelans, however, the lack of definitive answers has become one of the tragedy’s cruelest consequences.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Definition of cruel

Adjective

In theaters July 17, The Odyssey tells the story of Greek hero Odysseus’ long, torturous and fantastical trip home from the Trojan War, back to the Kingdom of Ithaca to save his wife and son.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026
As part of her job, Angèle needs to daub makeup on the models’ feet, blistered from the torturous heels they’re forced to wear.

— Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 26 June 2026

Definition of torturous

Adjective

LeeAnne Loney was facing an excruciating decision in the summer of 2024.

— Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 4 July 2026
María Paz Campos, a veteran firefighter from Chile, talked him through the entire operation and kept him calm during the final excruciating hours Thursday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of excruciating

Adjective

Claus trudged to the monitor, watched the foul on an agonizing loop and promptly handed Balogun a red card.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
In the final minute of stoppage time Cape Verde missed an agonizing last second shot but still claimed a point!

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026

Definition of agonizing

Adjective

Losing to a rival is bad enough, but how the defeat unfolded is sure to leave a bitter taste in the mouth of one of the greatest strikers ever.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026
The empty hotels have now become a bitter symbol of the collapse of an industry once seen as key to Cuba’s economic future.

— Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Definition of bitter

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“Painful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painful. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of painful

adjective

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