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.

His Sunday show appearances have grown progressively more painful to watch.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Velasco referred to the deaths as “absolutely painful, heartbreaking, and of course, also absolutely unacceptable to the Mexican government.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

But we are driven by a common belief—knowing that our history, even if painful, is necessary to make the system fairer and more effective.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Colicchio didn’t like the painful early mornings and solitude of being alone in his head in the water.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The monkeys gradually settled down, and I hoisted myself into the fork of the branch where its coils had been, sitting back to catch my breath and slow the painful beating of my heart.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo