1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
as in aches
to feel or cause physical pain
my poor head was paining so from all that racket
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of pains
Eugene Robinson, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
My adolescence was an ordinary one, its joys and pains small.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Melania takes pains to include many shots of her and Donald acting like a loving couple, which threatens to take the film out of the realm of nonfiction.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Shower steamers are also used to ease minor aches and pains and soothe sore muscles.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Backroads Building and maintaining muscle is an important part of aging well, and there are plenty of travelers who are stronger than ever (even if there are a few more aches and pains) in their 50s and 60s.
—Christine Sarkis, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
For most of its existence, the NFL has taken pains to avoid any open association with gambling.
—Jasper Craven, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
According to the Kennedy Center officials, Ortiz sought medical care at a clinic in Colombia on Friday morning for severe back and stomach pains, and a migraine.
—Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Stylistically in step with Tremain’s nostalgic tale, it’s rooted in the palpable pains of youth, while hovering slightly above the realities of everyday life like a cheeky fantasy.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026
Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
White southerners took great pains to keep track of men and women like Henry Fordham.
—Eugene Robinson, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
My adolescence was an ordinary one, its joys and pains small.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Melania takes pains to include many shots of her and Donald acting like a loving couple, which threatens to take the film out of the realm of nonfiction.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Shower steamers are also used to ease minor aches and pains and soothe sore muscles.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Backroads Building and maintaining muscle is an important part of aging well, and there are plenty of travelers who are stronger than ever (even if there are a few more aches and pains) in their 50s and 60s.
—Christine Sarkis, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
For most of its existence, the NFL has taken pains to avoid any open association with gambling.
—Jasper Craven, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
According to the Kennedy Center officials, Ortiz sought medical care at a clinic in Colombia on Friday morning for severe back and stomach pains, and a migraine.
—Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Stylistically in step with Tremain’s nostalgic tale, it’s rooted in the palpable pains of youth, while hovering slightly above the realities of everyday life like a cheeky fantasy.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
But regret pains them like a knot in their shoulders.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pains
Noun
-
There is another kind of voter fraud which has escaped the attention--whether accidentally or deliberately--of the media.—
Cal Thomas,
Arkansas Online,
10 Feb. 2026
-
In a measured but hostile tone, Rhoades called attention to a great number of complaints that had come from Coppermark.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The collar will help scientists understand the movement patterns and reproductive behavior of the Sierra Nevada red fox, providing key insights to guide conservation efforts.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The former county clerk in Colorado was convicted of multiple crimes for letting someone access data from a secure voting system in an effort to prove unsubstantiated 2020 election conspiracies.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This loss is unexpected and surreal, and my heart aches… for his family, for his wife, for his children, for his friends, and for all of us who were blessed to know him.—
Christine Imarenezor,
VIBE.com,
15 Jan. 2026
-
This loss is unexpected and surreal and my heart aches… for his family, for his wife, for his children, for his friends, and for all of us who were blessed to know him.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The PhD student, originally from Turkey and on a valid F-1 student visa, was shuttled through multiple states following her arrest and suffered a series of asthma attacks without adequate medical care, according to her attorneys.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Natural Grocers specializes in organic produce, dietary supplements and body care products.—
Francesca Pica,
jsonline.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This work offers a new platform for designing efficient photo-electrocatalysts and advancing next-generation solar–electrochemical energy conversion systems.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The opening night celebration in September features violinist Joshua Bell, after which Shelley will guide the season through a series of classic works, beginning with Mahler’s Second Symphony.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Sure, flashing a championship ring on a recruiting trip never hurts.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Trade alternatives Multiple free agent options at first base surely hurts the trade market for Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle and Rays first baseman Yandy Díaz (Mountcastle, in particular, seems to have very little role to play in Baltimore at this point).—
Chad Jennings,
New York Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Organizations can benefit by valuing carefulness and concentration not as an obligation, but as a fundamental pillar of success.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Moos wrote that when Frost showed up for a secret interview at a Philadelphia hotel the night before his undefeated UCF team played a road game at Temple, Frost was unshaven and wearing sweats.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
-
There are a lot of guns and sweat.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pains. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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