headache

noun

ˈhed-ˌāk How to pronounce headache (audio)
Definition of headachenext
1
as in job
a dull, unpleasant, or difficult piece of work filling out all the required forms was a real headache

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nuisance
something that is a source of irritation one of the headaches of being a band teacher is never knowing if the school's music program will be cut

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of headache These can range from headaches to irritability and a general sense of malaise. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Mar. 2025 In a year that’s already shaping up to be a headache for Tesla (TSLA-1.65%), its biggest rival abroad — and one that’s growing its international footprint — now claims to have developed a superior charging system. — William Gavin, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2025 There’s certainly the risk of getting any of the common but often hard-to-deal-with long COVID symptoms like fatigue, muscle aches, breathlessness, headaches, difficulty thinking and alterations in taste listed on the World Health Organization website. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 Skeptics point to volatility, security headaches, and the risk of distorting bitcoin markets if a major government holds too large a stake. — Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for headache
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headache
  1. job
  2. nuisance
  3. killer
  4. frustration
  5. burden
  6. thorn
  7. effort
  8. worry
Noun
  • The danger was obvious at Villa Park, but Justin did a better job of heading the danger away against Wolverhampton Wanderers at King Power Stadium just before Christmas… … until Wolves gathered up the second ball and Nelson Semedo clipped another high ball back into the box.
    — Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The deepening of the national debt comes even as President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk target government spending through the Department of Government Efficiency, which has implemented broad job cuts across agencies.
    — Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of job
Noun
  • Along with claims of trespass and nuisance, Energy Transfer alleges that Greenpeace defamed the company to its financial backers.
    — Jennifer Safstrom, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
  • While some travelers may view passing through the security line as a nuisance, TSA plays a critical role in the safety of traveling throughout the U.S. – and their work expands far beyond airports.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors A guy known for delivering killer monologues is joining the long list of suspects at the Arconia.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Materials for all seasons at the world’s grandest art fair, plus Cleopatra and a killer ship model The European Fine Art Fair in Maastricht in the Netherlands is the art extravaganza of the year.
    — Brian T. Allen, National Review, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of killer
Noun
  • Kurt’s key takeaways Taking a few minutes to protect your data and devices today can save you hours of frustration, heartache and financial loss tomorrow.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
  • In one post, a former colleague expresses frustration that the book seems to take credit for his efforts at the company.
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of frustration
Noun
  • The pressure to constantly evolve while maintaining a strong identity can feel like an emotional and professional burden.
    — Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2025
  • This financial burden could likely force water tax increases on residents of Elgin, as funding would be required to source water from external resources beyond the Fox River.
    — Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of burden
Noun
  • Every detail aligned with the central motif of the rose—even the bag handles were accented with thorns.
    — Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Because of that, the switchbacks are mostly covered in chunks of wood and small branches, some with thorns.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of thorn
Noun
  • As Maine continues to see more shark detections in its waters, studies like this will be crucial in ensuring that shark conservation efforts continue while also keeping human safety a priority.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • What’s next? Property management posted a note on some doors that said cleaning efforts would begin March 7, exactly two months after the Eaton fire ignited.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of effort
Noun
  • Last Friday, James Bergeron, the acting under secretary at the Education Department, sent a letter to colleges attempting to allay their worries about the layoffs.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Some Tesla shareholders have expressed worry about the situation.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of worry

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Cite this Entry

“Headache.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headache. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on headache

Nglish: Translation of headache for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about headache

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