crossword clue painful – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find the most comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "painful," covering various lengths and providing helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue painful" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SORE: A common short answer for discomfort often associated with pain, like a sore muscle.
6 Letters
ACHING: Implies a dull, continuous pain, such as an aching tooth or head.
7 Letters
HURTFUL: Causing emotional or physical pain, often implies a negative impact or injury.
9 Letters
AGONIZING: Describing something extremely painful or distressing, often used for intense suffering.
12 Letters
EXCRUCIATING: An intense and severe form of pain, suggesting extreme torment or agony.
More About "crossword clue painful"
The clue "painful" is a versatile one in crosswords, capable of leading to a wide array of answers depending on the nuance the setter intends. While it most commonly refers to physical discomfort, such as a 'sore' knee or an 'aching' back, it can also extend to emotional or even metaphorical pain. For instance, a 'painful' memory might evoke the answer 'agonizing' or 'heart-rending', and a 'painful' truth could be 'bitter' or 'harsh'.
Crossword setters often use such broad clues to test solvers' vocabulary and their ability to think flexibly. The key to cracking "painful" is not just knowing synonyms, but understanding the context provided by other clues and the number of letters required. Sometimes, a clue might hint at the type of pain, e.g., 'sharp pain' versus 'dull pain', guiding you to more specific answers like 'acute' or 'throbbing'.
Our solutions aim to cover this spectrum, offering the most common answers across various lengths, from the short and direct to longer, more descriptive terms. By understanding the common associations and exploring different facets of the word "painful," you'll be better equipped for your next crossword challenge.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by noting the number of boxes available for the answer. This is the most crucial filter for potential solutions.
- Check Crossings: Fill in any intersecting letters from other solved clues. These fixed letters will quickly narrow down your options for "painful."
- Consider Nuance: Think about whether the clue implies physical, emotional, or abstract pain. 'Painful' can mean different things (e.g., 'aching' vs. 'distressing').
- Look for Adjectives/Nouns: Determine if the clue expects an adjective (e.g., SORE) describing something, or a noun (e.g., AGONY) referring to the state itself.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'painful' in crosswords?
Common synonyms include 'sore', 'aching', 'sharp', 'acute', 'tender', 'agonizing', and 'excruciating', depending on the nuance and letter count required by the puzzle.
How do I identify the correct 'painful' answer in a crossword?
To find the right answer, first look at the number of letters the solution requires. Then, check any crossing letters you've already filled in. Also, consider the broader context of other clues in the puzzle. Sometimes, 'painful' might refer to emotional pain (e.g., 'heart-wrenching') rather than just physical discomfort.
Are there different types of 'painful' clues in crosswords?
Yes, crossword clues for 'painful' can be quite varied. They might refer to physical pain (e.g., 'sore muscle'), emotional distress ('painful memory'), or even abstract concepts ('painful truth' or 'painful decision'). Always pay close attention to the specific wording of the clue to determine the intended meaning.