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Definitions

pain

[peyn] / peɪn /
NOUN
physical suffering
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ache agony burn cramp discomfort fever illness injury irritation misery sickness soreness spasm strain tenderness torment trouble twinge wound
STRONG
affliction catch convulsion crick distress gripe hurt laceration malady pang paroxysm prick smarting sting stitch throb throe tingle torture
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advantage aid assistance benefit blessing comfort contentment ease good health happiness health help joy peace pleasure relief wellness
WEAK
cheer well-being
NOUN
mental suffering
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agony anguish anxiety bitterness grief heartache misery sadness shock suffering torment woe worry
STRONG
affliction despondency distress hurt malaise martyrdom rack torture travail tribulation wretchedness
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calmness cheer comfort contentment delight gladness happiness health joy peace
STRONG
aid help relief
WEAK
good health irritation pleasure well-being
NOUN
problem
Synonyms
STRONGEST
irritation trouble
STRONG
aggravation annoyance bore bother drag effort exertion nuisance pest vexation
Antonyms
STRONG
delight happiness idleness laziness pleasure
WEAK
cheer comfort good health health joy well-being
VERB
bother, trouble
Synonyms
STRONG
ache afflict aggrieve agonize ail anguish annoy bite chafe chasten constrain convulse discomfort disquiet distress exasperate excruciate gall grieve gripe harass harm harrow hurt inflame injure irk irritate nick prick punish rack rile sadden smart sting strain stress suffer throb tingle torment torture upset vex worry wound
WEAK
cut to the quick hit where one lives
Antonyms
STRONG
aid alleviate appease assist assuage calm cheer comfort cure delight ease encourage fix heal help let go make happy mend placate please praise relieve soothe

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.

The textile sector -- one of the country's largest exporters -- will be first in line to feel the pain from a prolonged energy shock, the official added.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

For the insurer, that only postpones the pain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

He has kidney stones and is often in excruciating pain, but has been waiting more than a year for surgery because hospitals are overloaded and lack basic medicines.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

The BBC first revealed allegations made against Dixon in 2017, when many women complained of severe pain following their operations.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

The truth of that sentence zings through me, zillions of times stronger than any shin pain.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing pain

Selection Vocabulary 1, Unit 4

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!