Find Synonyms
pang Synonyms
Another word for pang
Choosing another word for pang depends on context, so the 18 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• noun (Context 1)
A sudden, piercing feeling of painful emotion, such as guilt, regret, or sadness.
Usage Example
"She experienced a sudden qualm of remorse after speaking too harshly to her colleague."
Strongest
qualm
twinge
Strong
compunction
misgiving
scruple
heartache
• noun (Context 2)
A sudden, sharp, and brief pain or physical sensation, such as hunger or a muscle spasm.
Usage Example
"By mid-afternoon, he felt a sharp twinge of hunger and decided to take a lunch break."
Strongest
twinge
stab
Strong
spasm
throe
stitch
cramp
ache
• verb (Context 3)
To cause to feel a sudden, sharp pain or acute emotional distress (now rare or literary).
Usage Example
"The memory of the lost opportunity panged him deeply for years afterward."
Strongest
pain
Strong
pierce
torment
afflict
distress
hurt
Opposites of pang
The opposite of pang shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
soothe
relief
comfort
relieve
solace
peace
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Pang. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/pang