Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for painful. Search instead for painfuln.
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 will mean accepting once again, however painful it may be, that balls and strikes are whatever the umpire says they are.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

This can be painful and may cause redness and swelling.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

“Success may require everyone to make painful concessions,” he said in a post on X. “But this is nothing as compared to the pain of failure and war.”

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

It’s just too painful to think about what was such an important part of my life taken away.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Dad has to remember why he loves this place, not the painful parts.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila