Synonyms for

Painful

Verb / ˈpeɪnfʌl / Another word for painful — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Causing physical or emotional pain.

Synonyms & similar words

atrocious painless terrible irritating unspeakable afflictive dreadful awful abominable sore agonizing hurting sore uncomfortable aching piercing wounding distressing harsh tender torturous excruciating unpleasant severe acute sharp bitter grievous distressing heartbreaking

Synonyms by register

Formal

agonizing excruciating distressing unpleasant

Informal

ouchy hurting ouch

Literary

dolorous woeful anguished

Antonyms

pleasant comfortable easy joyful painless soothing gratifying

Common collocations

  • painful experience
  • painful truth
  • painful memories
  • painful process
  • painful injury
  • painful lesson
  • painful reminder

Word family

noun pain
verb pain
adjective painful
adverb painfully

Usage note

While 'painful' primarily refers to physical suffering, it is also commonly used metaphorically to describe emotionally difficult or unpleasant situations.

Example sentences

  1. The boy fell off his bike and it was painful.
  2. The dentist's drill was very painful.
  3. The burn on my hand is painful.
  4. Breaking up with a friend can be painful.
  5. The flu can be very painful.

Quotes

  • The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again. - Charles Dickens
  • Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever. - Lance Armstrong
  • Pain is weakness leaving the body. - Unknown

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