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Definitions

sore

[sawr, sohr] / sɔr, soʊr /
ADJECTIVE
in pain
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aching bruised hurting inflamed painful sharp tender uncomfortable
STRONG
acute annoying burning extreme raw sensitive smarting
WEAK
abscessed afflicted burned chafed critical distressing hurtful irritated pained reddened severe ulcerated unpleasant vexatious
Antonyms
STRONGEST
painless
WEAK
well
ADJECTIVE
angry; hurt mentally
Synonyms
STRONGEST
resentful
STRONG
annoying pressing sensitive smarting upset
WEAK
afflicted aggrieved annoyed critical distressing grieved grieving indignant irked irritated pained peeved stung troubled urgent vexed weighty
Antonyms
WEAK
delighted good happy pleased well

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.

"It will stick out like a big sore thumb," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

My sore throat was gone, but speaking for more than 10 seconds made me lightheaded, as if I were trying to blow up a balloon simply by talking.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

It can be caused by a number of viruses - including HSV-1, also known as the cold sore virus.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Jane regularly does digit “workouts” and complains her pointers are sore.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

I’m so happy, I don’t care about sore feet.

From "Paradise on Fire" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Vocabulary lists containing sore

Nothing But the Truth

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

That Hurts! Synonyms for "Pain"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"Sympathy" by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!