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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in ache
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in aching
to feel or cause physical pain
the injection only smarted for a moment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of smarting
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
Democrats are still smarting from the initial round of the redistricting wars that kicked off last year.
—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
8 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
Soon, Goodwin began out-smarting his family.
—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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
Democrats are still smarting from the initial round of the redistricting wars that kicked off last year.
—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
8 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
Soon, Goodwin began out-smarting his family.
—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smarting
Adjective
-
So Google isn’t trying to release more biting mosquitoes into neighborhoods.
-
Netflix’s big comedy bet might be the Dan Levy–Rachel Sennott co-creation Big Mistakes; the biting, farcical series about adult siblings who get caught up in the drug business plays like Weeds crossed with The Other Two.
Noun
-
Perhaps second only to getting sunburned through your favorite white dress, the greatest casualty of summer fashion is the aches and pains brought on by your cutest but least supportive shoes.
-
Good posture helps prevent aches in the back, neck and shoulders, reduces joint wear and lowers the risk of sports injuries, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Verb
-
But after a long day on the slopes, your aching limbs might need a cooldown, which is where the home’s sizable indoor pool comes in.
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The band's retro-modern blend of sierreño and corridos tumbados put a next-gen spin on traditional Mexican music, layering Pedro's aching vocals over lush arrangements of acoustic guitar and soulful horns.
Adjective
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But to pay that extra and miss out on one of Samsung’s best hardware inventions in years would be a bitter pill to swallow.
-
Many Lebanese also have bitter memories of the decades of Syrian occupation of Lebanon, which began during the Lebanese civil war, initially at the request of Lebanese authorities and with the backing of Arab states, ending in 2005.
Noun
-
Vitamin D deficiency can also cause muscle soreness when people take statins, said Nissen, of the Cleveland Clinic.
-
Boyd was scheduled to return earlier but experienced shoulder soreness after his first rehab outing.
Verb
-
The triple whammy of the COVID-19 closures, inflation and technological disruption has left everyone hurting.
-
Helpful or Hurtful Look at each item individually and determine whether each one is hurting or helping your overall organizational and decluttering goals.
Adjective
-
Tourism in Albania has seen a sharp increase in recent years, with people relishing the nation’s vast, undeveloped coastline.
-
Netanyahu, 76, has spent decades mastering political theater, sharp messaging and grand performances.
Noun
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When its inevitable end arrives, the sun’s core will exhaust the last traces of hydrogen fuel and kick off the first stellar death pangs.
-
Kanaal is king for indulging elevenses hunger pangs, providing cakes, cookies, tea, coffee, and made-to-order traditional Dutch sweets including stroopwafles and puffertjes.
Cite this Entry
“Smarting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smarting. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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