sorer; sorest
1
a
: causing emotional pain or distress
a sore subject
b
: physically tender (as from overuse or injury) : feeling or affected by pain : achy
sore muscles
limped on a sore leg
felt sore all over
2
: attended by difficulties, hardship, or exertion
soreness
noun
1
: a localized sore spot on the body
especially
: one (such as an ulcer) with the tissues ruptured or abraded and usually with infection
2
: a source of pain or vexation : affliction
Examples of sore in a Sentence
Adjective
a dog limping on a sore leg
The patient has a sore throat.
That's a sore subject to bring up.
The discussion touched on a sore spot.
My neighbor is sore at me.
Are you still sore about what happened last night?
Noun
He has a sore on his lip.
Adverb
I was sore afraid we'd never make it home.
Recent Examples on the Web
John Hollinger, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
The cool temperature may also soothe sore gums.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Oct. 2025
Marielle Segarra, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
Most patients have mild symptoms for seven to 10 days, which can include fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores that blister and a rash on the hands and feet, the CDC said.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, right guard Kevin Dotson (chest contusion) and defensive tackle Poona Ford (sore groin) were riding stationary bikes after coming away sore from Tuesday’s joint practice with the Cowboys.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sore
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Adjective
And then, sticking out like a sore thumb amidst all these names, is Mamukelashvili.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
The cool temperature may also soothe sore gums.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
After chemo, people often develop mouth sores and lose their sense of taste, and the creamy texture can feel comforting.
—Marielle Segarra, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
Most patients have mild symptoms for seven to 10 days, which can include fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores that blister and a rash on the hands and feet, the CDC said.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
Adverb
Her cheeks grew sore from smiling.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, right guard Kevin Dotson (chest contusion) and defensive tackle Poona Ford (sore groin) were riding stationary bikes after coming away sore from Tuesday’s joint practice with the Cowboys.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sore
Cite this Entry
“Sore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sore. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sore
1 of 3 adjective
ˈsō(ə)r 
ˈsȯ(ə)r
sorer; sorest
1
a
: causing pain or distress
a sore subject
b
: full of pain : tender
sore muscles
c
: hurt or red and swollen so as to be or seem painful
sore runny eyes
2
: accompanied by difficulties, hardship, or exertion
in a sore situation
3
: angry sense 1a
my friend is sore at me
soreness
noun
sore
2 of 3 noun1
: a sore spot on the body
especially
: one (as an ulcer) with the tissues broken and usually infected
2
: a cause of pain : affliction
sore
3 of 3 adverb
: sorely
Medical Definition
sore
1 of 2 adjective
sorer; sorest
: causing, characterized by, or affected with pain : painful
sore muscles
a sore wound
sorely
adverb
soreness
noun
sore
2 of 2 noun
: a localized sore spot on the body
especially
: one (as an ulcer) with the tissues ruptured or abraded and usually with infection
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