smarting 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of smartingnext
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

smarting

2 of 3

noun

as in ache

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smarting
  1. biting
  2. ache
  3. aching
  4. bitter
  5. sharp
  6. pang
  7. twinge
  8. keen
Adjective
  • Her awful journey is a raging scream against the patriarchy and a biting critique of how women are viewed, especially by other women.
    The Week US, theweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • As playwright, Barbot sits between them, turning the mainstream obscurity of his protagonists into a biting political point, and reflecting poignantly on the long arc of history, which sure seems to take its sweet time bending toward justice.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024
Definition of biting
Noun
  • Some cases also included both respiratory classic flu-like symptoms, including cough, headache, runny nose, fever, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, shortness of breath, and pneumonia, according to the CDC.
    Chad de Guzman, TIME, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Symptoms of lactic acidosis include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, body aches, respiratory distress, abdominal pain and fast, deep breathing.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Definition of ache
Verb
  • The imagery of The Pink Opaque’s Midnight Realm is frightening, but the potent themes and aching nostalgia are what will keep you up at night.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Risotto, in other words, is governed by a set of laws that are rooted in tradition, rich in common sense, and aching to be broken or bent.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
Definition of aching
Adjective
  • Fighting here began last spring and it's been bitter and costly to both sides.
    Brian Mann, NPR, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Tonic water also pairs well with vodka, Irish whiskey, or bitter spirits like Aperol, adding a classic bitter-sweet twist.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of bitter
Adjective
  • This month's most concerning figure came from a sharp fall in Americans' short-term outlook for income, business conditions and job opportunities.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Fincher’s original, which starred Jodie Foster, was praised for its tense atmosphere and sharp direction.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of sharp
Noun
  • For people in fashion especially, the mall seems to kick up a particular nostalgia pang—especially around the holidays when so many formative memories were created, and clothing was the indisputable backdrop.
    Alyssa Hardy, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024
  • During a recent visit to a local museum in southern England, a 9-year-old boy felt a pang of recognition.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024
Definition of pang
Noun
  • Many consumers, even those who aren’t wine snobs, experience a twinge of doubt when confronted with a screw top.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • There is, however, a harmonic tension at the heart of the conception, as semitone dissonances pierce the texture in almost every bar—F against E, D-sharp against E, C against B. As one of these twinges is resolved, another intrudes.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024
Definition of twinge
Adjective
  • But Jimmy isn’t keen on admitting the true depth of his guilt and shame to his daughter, no matter how much Paul tells him to do it.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024
  • The mood less than a week into their incumbency has been uplifting, among a fan base eager to turn a new page and staff keen to do the same.
    Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of keen
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near smarting

smarties

smarting

smartly

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“Smarting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smarting. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on smarting

Nglish: Translation of smarting for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of smarting for Arabic Speakers

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