pained

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.

"Again?" he asks, the pained expression on his face reflecting the troubling news he's just heard.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

"His visit will lift the spirits of a pained community," said Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, the community's peak body.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

A Father Christmas figure is pictured looking pained in the water at the foot of a rock.

From Barron's • Nov. 19, 2025

He has a few moments that play so close to comedy — say, whining to be let into the bathroom — that you wish the movie would do more to encourage our pained, guttural laughs.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2025

But the next morning her young body, now used to a roof and warm food on cold mornings, pricked and pained her until she awoke.

From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman