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.

Painful as that is, we really shouldn’t be surprised.

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2026

Appeared in the December 5, 2025, print edition as 'A Painful Bond Off-Broadway'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Painful historical truths hide beneath the paint of the park’s uplifting murals, Montenegro says.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2023

Painful periods, fatigue and infertility are just three of the symptoms of endometriosis.

From BBC • Aug. 21, 2023

Painful though it was to hear the accusations repeated, Kira realized with awe the value of the repetition.

From "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry