achingly

adverb

ach·​ing·​ly ˈā-kiŋ-lē How to pronounce achingly (audio)
Synonyms of achinglynext
1
: in an aching manner
achingly sad songs
2
: extremely, exceedingly
achingly complicated

Examples of achingly in a Sentence

an achingly funny movie
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The film takes its title from an achingly beautiful ranchera by the late Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, a friend of Almodóvar’s. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026 Her husband, 58, estranged since 2010, had only achingly kind words in his eulogy. Jill Smolowe, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026 But those are two very different movies, and there aren’t enough achingly tender John Prine songs in the world to paper over the gap between them. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2026 While undoubtedly a difficult watch, Boy Erased is ultimately a story of resilience, with an achingly vulnerable performance by Hedges. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for achingly

Word History

Etymology

aching + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of achingly was in 1765

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Cite this Entry

“Achingly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/achingly. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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