Synonyms for

Pain

Noun / peɪn / Another word for pain — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury.

Synonyms & similar words

painfulness annoyance anguish hurting ail nuisance trouble bother pleasure botheration hurt infliction ache suffering hurt agony discomfort throbbing twinge sting soreness tenderness sensitivity burning cramp smarting spasm stabbing pang throb crick excruciation

Synonyms by register

Formal

discomfort suffering affliction malaise

Informal

ouch hurt ache soreness

Literary

anguish woe torment

Antonyms

pleasure comfort ease joy relief satisfaction delight

Common collocations

  • physical pain
  • emotional pain
  • sharp pain
  • dull pain
  • chronic pain
  • severe pain
  • pain relief
  • pain management

Word family

noun pain
verb pain
adjective painful
adverb painfully

Usage note

Pain can refer to physical suffering or emotional distress. 'Painful' is the most common adjective form.

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Example sentences

  1. My stomach is in pain after eating too much candy.
  2. I can't play soccer today because my ankle is in pain.
  3. The splinter caused a lot of pain when I tried to remove it.
  4. She experienced pain during childbirth.
  5. My headache is causing me a lot of pain.

Quotes

  • Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever. - Lance Armstrong
  • The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love. - Hubert H. Humphrey
  • Life is pain, highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something. - William Goldman

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