painless

adjective

pain·​less ˈpān-ləs How to pronounce painless (audio)
1
: not causing or accompanied by physical pain : not painful
a painless skin growth
painless medical procedures
… the medical exam may include an electrocardiogram, or EKG. This noninvasive test is a painless procedure that measures your heart's activity.Sarah Shelton
The relatively painless injections are intended to provide temporary relief for arthritic pain and stiffness.Larry Katzenstein
2
: not difficult : not causing or involving complications or emotional distress
There's an easy way to apply for federal aid in the form of grants and student loans: Just fill out the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It's a fairly painless process, and you can even do it online.Maurie Backman
a quick and painless solution
painlessly adverb
painlessness noun

Examples of painless in a Sentence

getting paid to watch and review movies seems like a painless way to earn a living
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Most are pretty painless and heal up quickly on their own. Alexander Cheves, Them., 16 May 2025 Cancer isn’t known for being a fast, painless way to go.... Air Mail, 10 May 2025 Make approvals swift, clear and painless, even if your internal processes are extensive. Sal Rehmetullah, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 If these urine biomarkers live up to their promise in future studies, earlier and more accurate prostate cancer screening could soon be as simple — and painless — as a trip to the bathroom. Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for painless

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of painless was in 1534

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Cite this Entry

“Painless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/painless. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

painless

adjective
pain·​less ˈpān-ləs How to pronounce painless (audio)
1
: not experiencing pain
2
: not causing pain : not accompanied by pain : not painful
painless surgery
painlessly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on painless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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