SMARTING Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

smarting 1 of 3

adjective

as in biting

causing intense discomfort to one's skin we had to press on, despite the smarting sleet that was blowing in our faces

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

smarting

2 of 3

noun

as in ache

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Dissimilar Words

smarting

3 of 3

verb

present participle of smart

as in aching

to feel or cause physical pain the injection only smarted for a moment

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 smarting

Verb

Other than dispirited Red Sox fans still smarting over the ’75 World Series, nobody really hated those Reds. — Steve Buckley, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 After all, some in the party are still smarting about the 2008 presidential primary and more than a few are still stammering about the 2016 one. — Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Aug. 2026 Michelle, who is smarting from Jesse and Lacy’s visible affection, decides to go full Coyote Ugly on the bar. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 July 2026 But, the West Germans looked like dogs chasing cars as the swift Algerians, smarting from the Germans’ strutting arrogance, flowed to a 2-1 upset at Gijón that brought appreciation for Algeria’s audacity and artistry. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026 The French, still smarting from the Treaty of Paris, did not. — Literary Hub, 26 May 2026 Underlying tensions are taut, Iran thinks the US blockade is a violation, the UAE is still smarting from Iranian missile attacks Monday and Tuesday, and Israel is torching a key plank of the ceasefire deal, re-escalating in Lebanon by bombing Hezbollah leaders. — Jennifer Hansler, CNN Money, 7 May 2026 The centers are also smarting from the expiration of $23 million in general fund dollars that were approved in 2022, according to Janelle Melohn with the National Alliance of Trauma Recovery Centers. — Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 5 May 2026 Shoppers are already smarting from financial strain, analysts from Edward Jones and EY-Parthenon said. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smarting

Adjective

The pacing is more frenetic, the narration more biting, the flashbacks more jarring, and the comedowns much harsher.

— Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
Described as a biting political thriller in the tradition of Wild in the Streets and V for Vendetta, The Hunted is set in a dystopian America where trans people are brutalized and erased to the margins of society.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 June 2026

Definition of biting

Verb

There are cameos, twists and a fair amount of busywork setting up future films, but but the film’s focus remains squarely on Holland’s twin mission of defeating a mysterious new enemy and dealing with the aching loss of his girlfriend.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026
Performed beneath a continuous gentle rain of warm seawater, this experience combines mineral-rich marine exposure and thermal comfort soothing aching muscles along the way and quieting the mind.

— Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of aching

Adjective

Sometimes the mood turned bitter, with fights erupting over insignificant matters.

— Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Not that Tottenham Hotspur appear willing to consider an approach from their neighbours and bitter rivals for their captain, let alone sanction a sale.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of bitter

Adjective

Yarmosky looks to have a go-to outfit formula, too, keeping things low-key and sharp with tailored pants and simple knits.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Aug. 2026
That reshuffle opened the door for Amad, who shone on the right with a bustling performance, unsettling PSG with his sharp dribbling and laying on an assist for Mbeumo.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of sharp

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smarties

smarting

smartly

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“Smarting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smarting. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of smarting

adjective

noun

verb

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