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Definition of soreness

soreness

/ˈsɔːrnəs/
sore · ness
Adverb:sorely
•
Plural:sorenesses
•
Adjective:sore
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soreness Lexical Profile

soreness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A state or sensation of dull, localized physical pain, aching, or tenderness in a part of the body, often resulting from physical exertion, minor injury, or inflammation.

Example

"Gentle stretching after a long run can help reduce muscle soreness the following day."

2

A feeling of emotional distress, resentment, or lingering bitterness caused by a perceived slight, disappointment, or conflict.

Example

"Despite the cordial handshake, there was still some lingering soreness between the two candidates after the debate."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for soreness

• Nearby Words

sordidly
sore
sorely
soreness
sorex
sorghum
sororal

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English sārnes, meaning 'pain, grief, or sorrow,' formed from the root sār ('painful, grievous') and the noun-forming suffix -nes.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Soreness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/soreness
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