smarting 1 of 3

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

smarting

3 of 3

verb

present participle of smart

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smarting
Adjective
  • Now, 72 hours after being purged because they were considered probationary workers, a biting reality has set in for many of them.
    CNN.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
  • For example, a trip to Everglades National Park at the peak of summer could overlap with hurricane season or generally have higher biting insect activity and humid heat.
    Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Symptoms may start days or weeks after consuming the bacteria and can include fever, muscle aches and fatigue.
    Katherine Dillinger and Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Mild symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, among others.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2025
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
Adjective
  • The bitter exchange was unlike any other in the Oval Office in modern times. 13:43 With Ukraine's future in the balance, a high-stakes meeting on Friday between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy devolved into a shouting match.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 28 Feb. 2025
  • But there are some whiskey fans who crave high-proof spirits the way others will seek out intensely hoppy beer or extremely bitter amaro: the more extreme, the better, full stop.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Its sharp lines and stucco finish nod to traditional Mexican architecture, contrasting with the nearby rolling hills.
    Silvia Benedetti, ARTnews.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Three sharp teeth emerge from the bottom of its frozen jawline.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Taken together, these individuals’ collective experiences force us to expand our understanding of the accomplishments and costs of the Civil War, and to weigh anew the pangs that accompanied the new birth of freedom.
    Robert Colby, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Now that the hunger pangs have started, here's some National Bagel Day deals to consider.
    Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • So far, the night has been pretty drama free, and all the women seem to be getting along very well, even amid some obvious twinges of jealousy over who has seemingly progressed farther than others with Grant.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The bottom line: For some Democrats, there was more than a twinge of bitterness about just how smoothly the process went.
    Andrew Solender, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Rosanna Fiedler, founder of the one-year-old brand Wyld Box Jewelry, creates adornments with the artistry of a sculptor and the vision of a keen vintage jewelry connoisseur.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • As a keen music lover, Lowson decided to sing for the residents using the nursing home's karaoke kit.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Smarting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smarting. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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