SMARTING Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

smarting

2 of 3

noun

as in ache

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

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 smarting

Verb

Yet Eli Drinkwitz’s team could be a tough out during its SEC home opener, still smarting from a 31-24 loss at Mississippi State after leading 24-17 entering the fourth quarter. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026 Baltimore fans are still smarting over rookie kicker Tyler Loop’s missed potential game-winning field goal in Week 18. — Mike Jones, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Alonso hit another home run against his former team Wednesday night, sparking another important win for the late-charging Orioles and earning himself another ovation from New York Mets fans still smarting over his departure last December. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026 On that particular day, Chiefs fans were still smarting after their team had wrapped up a 2-14 season just 48 hours earlier by being pummeled by the Broncos 38-3 in Denver. — Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026 A couple of months have passed since the meetup, but the organizers are still smarting from the fallout. — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smarting

Adjective

Her version is louder and more biting, but never at the sacrifice of the track’s spirit.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
In 2022, Lee County’s Mosquito Control District decided to try aiming radiation at mosquitoes instead, specifically the biting, disease-carrying kind — Aedes aegypti.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of biting

Noun

Some good medications to have include ibuprofen or naproxen, which can relieve headaches, body aches and sore throats by reducing inflammation and Acetaminophen, which can lower body temperature.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 20 Oct. 2026
The non-invasive form can cause gastrointestinal distress, fever and aches for a few days.

— Eva Flowe October 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of ache

Verb

Some women develop aching joints, headaches or pelvic pain seemingly out of the blue during perimenopause, or the menopausal transition, while others find that existing chronic pain conditions become harder to manage.

— Cheyenne Buckingham, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026
Moments of mutual support and understanding, of belly-aching laughter and silliness, of care and deep love.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of aching

Adjective

The classmate, Joleene Altum, sued Griffin for emotional distress and invasion of privacy, and Griffin countersued for defamation in a bitter, ongoing legal battle.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
The episode was a bitter lesson for the group, resulting in resentment and division.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of bitter

Noun

Nacua played in the season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers and then sat out two games because of a hip injury that caused abdominal soreness.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
In addition, Richardson is considered day-to-day due to lower back soreness.

— Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of soreness

Adjective

Someone slaps a strip of medical tape across their lips, promises you deeper sleep, fewer snores and a sharper jawline by morning, then cuts to a dreamy sunrise shot.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
And while Kim tends to gravitate toward body-conscious silhouettes and plenty of skin, Kris has made a signature of sharp tailoring, statement accessories, and an unapologetic dose of flash.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of sharp

Noun

Dining in the lounge is available all day to cater to international hunger pangs that don’t follow the same schedule as those of Spaniards.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Now, the new smaller version is available for hunger pangs between meals as many consumers are replacing traditional meals with snacks throughout the day, according to Datassential.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of pang

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smarties

smarting

smartly

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“Smarting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smarting. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of smarting

adjective

noun

verb

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