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’s a really painful time in the community,” said Jarrod Bernstein, a New York lawyer and former liaison to the Jewish community for President Obama.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 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

“I’m glad there are doctors that are really taking the fact that these procedures can be incredibly painful into consideration,” said Danovich.

From Slate • Jun. 7, 2026

Next to a car door slamming on your hand, probably the most painful thing in the world.

From "Fourth Grade Rats" by Jerry Spinelli

painful

Example Sentences

Related Words