PAINSTAKING Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

painstaking 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpān-ˌstā-kiŋ

Definition of painstaking

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

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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

Rescuers who transported the animals to the zoo moved at a painstaking pace, carefully navigating every bump and turn to avoid stressing or injuring them, said Indalkar from the forest department in Odisha. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 That's a painstaking process involving dozens of other experts that will ultimately set the stage for the kind of larger, multisite trials that can get at some fundamental questions for scientists and the public. — Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026 Even when working with certified cotton backed by transaction certificates, tracing the fiber back through the supply chain took hours of painstaking investigation. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 Conceived in collaboration with Coppola and sponsored by Cartier, the Château de Versailles is staging an exhibition about the film’s fascinating origin, painstaking production and cultural impact. — Stephanie Sporn, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for painstaking

Recent Examples of Synonyms for painstaking

Adjective

What followed was a meticulous restoration focused on preserving the original structures and historical details, and eventually, the addition of a couple of new buildings in the same vernacular to accommodate larger suites.

— Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026
That setup, thanks in large part to Pask’s meticulous set-dressing, gives Crystal and his director Scott Ellis a potent visual metaphor.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of meticulous

Noun

The $60 million ceiling covers a three-year development effort, but the announcement does not establish a final procurement value.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Over the past two months, amid efforts to find what could be more than $20 billion to recapitalize insurance funds, Walter has sold his controlling interest in the Lakers and a minority share of Chelsea, the English Premier League club.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of effort

Adjective

And so far, things seem to be operating smoothly — something local residents have grown to expect, given the high caliber of local elections officials and the careful oversight of political parties.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
His work is known for its careful handling of color and its feel for the mood of ordinary days.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of careful

Noun

The couple took pains to preserve historical details like the house's original wooden shutters.

— Sophie Caldwell,Valentina Duarte, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Nearly every single recipe from the Fizz’s golden age takes pains to specify that it should be made very cold, served without ice, and consumed immediately after delivery, an instruction that may seem pedantic but is nonetheless ubiquitous.

— Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of pains

Adjective

Once reading time kicked off during a recent meetup, the only sounds from the group were the quiet rustle of pages turning and the conscientious nibbling of snacks and sipping of tea as the cafe continued its bustle.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 22 Oct. 2026
Even if every senator were ethical, conscientious and committed to the public good, the incentives would remain the same.

— Nicholas Jacobs, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of conscientious

Noun

Of course, the persistence of traders to keep doubling down on AI could also be a sign of a bubble.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Passion opens the door, but sustainability requires strong partnerships, financial discipline, persistence and good operations.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of persistence

Adjective

In the series premiere, television personality and bestselling author Amanda Kloots opens up about grief, happiness and loving after loss.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
The child studying English was met with loving lament, while the one pursuing computer science at Stanford University was the flag post of family pride.

— Kamau Bobb October 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of loving

Adjective

Both players are diligent with preparation and exude a toughness that coaches love.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Receiving that crown of life comes through diligent prayer, and we are helped along the way at various checkpoints.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct. 2026