painful

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.

In the end, Manzo’s crusade would cost him his life — and force Quiroz to make a painful decision: abandon her husband’s fight, or embrace it as her own.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Roos, the former options market maker, believes the latest leg higher for stocks could ultimately give way to a painful pullback as investors take profits and positioning shifts.

From MarketWatch • May 17, 2026

I asked a minister what would happen if the so-called King of the North didn't win - their answer was best described as a painful sigh.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

The virus that started with an outbreak on a cruise ship has infiltrated the public consciousness, and it feels like déjà vu: resurrecting painful memories of the Covid-19 pandemic that shut down the world.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

It made a gentle tinkling sound, way better than the harsh, painful scream of Janie’s electric school-bell system, which Bat had heard last year during a school play he’d gone to watch.

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold