Definitions

painful

[peyn-fuhl] / ˈpeɪn fəl /

ADJECTIVE

physically or mentally agonizing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agonizing arduous awful difficult dire distasteful distressing excruciating hard harrowing heart-wrenching hurtful severe tedious terrible troublesome uncomfortable unpleasant

WEAK

aching afflictive biting burning caustic disagreeable dreadful extreme extremely bad grievous hurting inflamed irritated laborious piercing raw saddening sensitive sharp smarting sore stinging tender throbbing tormenting trying vexatious

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreeable calm easy facile friendly good great helpful mild nice pleasant pleasing simple wonderful

WEAK

delightful painless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was almost painful watching them; trying everything but delivering nothing, not even a consolation goal that might prove significant.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

But for the most part “Sweet Fortune” exults in romance — a shift from the singer’s previous record, 2023’s “Calico,” on which he brooded over a painful breakup.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2026

The stock market selloff this week has been painful for investors, but spare a thought for Elon Musk.

From Barron's • Jun. 24, 2026

Macklem said large capital inflows into the U.S. could be misallocated, risking a painful correction or sudden reversal of flows.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

The doctor did not regard it as particularly dangerous or painful, reassuring Booth that he could treat the injury.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson

painful

Example Sentences

Related Words