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.

The circumstances were eerily similar — and equally painful.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

“These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family,” the Microsoft co-founder said in prepared remarks before a House committee investigating the Epstein case.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

The second is that however painful higher prices are for individuals, collectively the spending picture looks to be on firm ground.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Now I've got the car, it feels very painful, but a long way to go.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Push myself with slow, painful movements, grabbing the seat in front of me for stability.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day

painful

Example Sentences

Related Words