PAINS Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

pains 1 of 2

noun

plural of pain

as in attention

strict attentiveness to what one is doing asked the movers to take pains to be sure that they didn't damage anything while moving the furniture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in effort

the active use of energy in producing a result she was at pains to reassure us that everything would be fine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pains

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of pain

as in aches

to feel or cause physical pain my poor head was paining so from all that racket

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of pains

Noun

Nielsen has taken great pains to caution that there is no guarantee that ratings gains will accompany these changes, which are being implemented to further improve the accuracy of its data gathering. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 19 Aug. 2026 If an infected person has trouble breathing, persistent chest pains or pressure, loses consciousness or sudden confusion, call 911. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 19 Aug. 2026 There will almost certainly be teething pains that Samsung ironed out years ago. — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Arenado said he's used to the normal aches and pains at this stage of his career, especially when playing the day after a night game. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026 In your first trimester, exercises like bear crawls, side planks and bird dogs can reduce aches and pains later in pregnancy, like pelvic girdle pain, sometimes called lightning crotch. — Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Aug. 2026 Only one thing gave Ruiz the kind of consolation that was truly the obverse of his physical pains, and that was the sacred figure of the Virgin Mary. — Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026 Hundreds of laymen, actuated solely by idle curiosity, received little more than a crick in the neck for their pains. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The arnica in this gel can help treat sore muscles, aches, swelling, or other pains that are bothering you, too. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026

Verb

This one pains me as a Roth-era Van Halen fan, but there is no denying the band found incredible radio success with new frontman Sammy Hagar in the fold. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026 His disaffection baffles his acquaintances and pains his tubercular wife (a superb Quinn Jackson), whose doctor (Lambert Tamin) has only contempt for her husband’s agonizing. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026 But regret pains them like a knot in their shoulders. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pains

Noun

One of the only signs of the trial that has drawn international attention was on a set of 14 video screens that lay out all of the cases to be heard in the building each day.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
After a thorough cleanse and gua sha to encourage lymphatic drainage, Galina smooths on a cooling mask and leaves it to work its magic while turning her attention to my scalp.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of attention

Verb

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

— Rashad Williams, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Common symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, rash, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC.

— Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of aches

Verb

Sure, the latter hurts the stats, but Daniels loved being able to close out the victory.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026
Yet YouTube has told creators cross-posting on its platform and Netflix hurts viewership on YouTube and conveys the idea that channels are deprioritizing the streaming platform as their primary distribution outlet.

— Lucas Shaw, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurts

Noun

Sleeping on your stomach or side presses your face into a pillowcase full of oil, sweat and product residue, which can clog pores, cause breakouts and eventually contribute to wrinkles.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Even worse than high temperatures is high humidity, which prevents sweat from evaporating and cooling the body.

— Scott McFetridge, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026