1
as in job
a dull, unpleasant, or difficult piece of work
filling out all the required forms was a real headache
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nuisance
something that is a source of irritation
one of the headaches of being a band teacher is never knowing if the school's music program will be cut
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of headache
Most people are happy that a headache in their lives is over.
—
Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2026
The headache of muscling a bill through the Senate, a chamber with its own unique set of rules and senator privileges, was enough to keep Thune from pursuing reconciliation until this week.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
Dolgin says if more people trade down to the ad tier (something Netflix execs have said is not yet happening), that could bring other headaches.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
What Becker once considered a sturdy government job has transformed into a headache as the recent partial government shutdown, which cut off pay to the Department of Homeland Security and by extension Transportation Security Administration workers, stretches into its 40th day.
—Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for headache
Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2026
The headache of muscling a bill through the Senate, a chamber with its own unique set of rules and senator privileges, was enough to keep Thune from pursuing reconciliation until this week.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
Dolgin says if more people trade down to the ad tier (something Netflix execs have said is not yet happening), that could bring other headaches.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
What Becker once considered a sturdy government job has transformed into a headache as the recent partial government shutdown, which cut off pay to the Department of Homeland Security and by extension Transportation Security Administration workers, stretches into its 40th day.
—Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for headache
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headache
Noun
-
The rule has been expanded that teams must interview two minority candidates for openings at head coach, general managers and the offensive and defensive coordinator jobs.—
Mac Engel
March 30,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
-
And this Pios team, the first at DU to ever clinch a third straight Frozen Four bid, might be Carle’s best coaching job yet.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The site fell into neglect and became a blighted public nuisance.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The company could face even more penalties in a second phase of the trial set to start in May, over whether Meta created a public nuisance.—
Shannon Bond,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Sources said the man was arguing with his killer when the gunman pulled out a weapon and fired two shots.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The cast’s press tour looks have been killer, with Meryl Streep’s earning a groundbreaking (wink, wink) rating from me.—
Eva Thomas,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
New transparency tools aim to help travelers understand disruptions and reduce frustration during delays and cancellations.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
And while the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved covering the overrun, most of which will come from the county's unrestricted fund balance, frustration is clearly building.—
Ubah Ali,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Jabran Sarfraz, a prominent economist in Karachi, said the immediate burden would fall on consumers, warning that higher fuel prices would raise the cost of daily necessities and disproportionately affect lower-income groups.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Higgins affirmed that the city’s goal is to avoid passing any financial burden onto taxpayers.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Odor is a botanical defense mechanism as much as thistles and thorns.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The spirit of the endeavor can forgive a lot, with some clumsy filmmaking that doesn’t seem to be an intentional homage, such as a slapdash set-up to Helen’s murderous ways and a slightly tacked-on feeling opening involving a film critic who has been a thorn in Jack’s side.—
Stephen Saito,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
At a Tuesday afternoon news conference in Sacramento City Hall, the mother and daughter stood beside their attorney, immigration advocates and local lawmakers — many of whom were involved in a weeks-long effort to bring her home.—
Mathew Miranda
Updated March 31,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Of course, the usual efforts around going plastic-free and energy-efficient are in place.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some of Bondi's allies believe that the lack of prosecutions is attributable to Blanche, who has not pushed them too hard amid political concerns and worries about his future after his Justice Department career.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The electric carmaker last week reported its first decline in annual profit since 2022, but worries over rising gasoline prices has boosted its business.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Video
An Abbreviated History of American English Spelling
Soop, wimmen, and headake did not make the cut
Cite this Entry
“Headache.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headache. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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