stinging
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for stinging, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Capable of causing a sharp pain, or itself sharply painful.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Capable of causing a sharp pain, or itself sharply painful.
“She felt a stinging sensation after touching the nettle.”
2. adj
Harshly critical and hurtful.
“The critic wrote a stinging review of the new restaurant.”
Opposites
How to use stinging
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
stinging criticism
stinging pain
stinging rebuke
Etymology
Comes from Middle English styngyng; equivalent to sting plus -ing.
Full origin of stinging →Frequently asked questions
What does “stinging” mean?
The word “stinging” means capable of causing a sharp pain, or itself sharply painful. In plain terms, sharp and painful, physically or in the form of harsh criticism.
How do you pronounce “stinging”?
“Stinging” is pronounced STIH-ngihng (/ˈstɪŋɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stinging” in a sentence?
Here is “stinging” used in a sentence: “She felt a stinging sensation after touching the nettle.”
What part of speech is “stinging”?
“Stinging” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “stinging” have?
“Stinging” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: capable of causing a sharp pain, or itself sharply painful.
