painful crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're struggling with the clue "painful crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, carefully curated to help you complete your puzzle. We've included answers by letter count along with short explanations to guide your choice.
Solutions for "painful crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SORE: Feeling tender or aching, often from injury or overuse.
5 Letters
ACUTE: Sharp or severe, used to describe sudden and intense pain.
HARSH: Unpleasantly rough or severe, can refer to conditions causing discomfort.
8 Letters
STINGING: Causing a sharp, pricking, or burning pain.
12 Letters
EXCRUCIATING: Intensely painful, causing great suffering.
More About "painful crossword clue"
The clue "painful" in crosswords can be surprisingly versatile, leading to a range of answers from direct physical sensations to more abstract concepts of difficulty or emotional distress. When encountering such a clue, it's crucial to consider the context of the puzzle, including any intersecting words or thematic elements, to pinpoint the most accurate answer.
Pain, as a concept, is universal, allowing crossword constructors to draw from a rich vocabulary. This clue often tests your knowledge of synonyms and your ability to differentiate between nuances of discomfort or hardship. Our listed answers cover various intensities and types of 'painful' experiences, from mild 'soreness' to 'excruciating' agony, providing a broad spectrum for your puzzle-solving needs.
Remember that "painful" might also refer to something that is difficult to endure, not just physically. For example, a 'painful' defeat or a 'painful' truth implies emotional or mental hardship rather than physical suffering. Always keep an open mind to these broader interpretations when the direct synonyms don't quite fit.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Examine the Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer slot is your first and most reliable hint. It immediately eliminates many possibilities.
- Check Intersecting Words: Fill in any crossing letters you already have. These are invaluable for confirming or ruling out potential answers for "painful."
- Consider Nuance and Context: Is the puzzle lighthearted or serious? Does the clue suggest physical pain, emotional pain, or simply something difficult? The tone and context of the crossword can often guide you to the right synonym for 'painful'.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes a 'painful' clue might lead to an answer that isn't a direct synonym but rather describes a consequence or characteristic of pain, such as 'ACHING' or 'UNBEARABLE'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "painful" mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "painful" typically refers to words describing physical discomfort, emotional distress, or something that is difficult and unpleasant to endure. The context of the surrounding clue words often helps narrow down the exact meaning.
Are there common synonyms for "painful" in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for "painful" frequently appearing in crosswords include SORE, ACHY, ACUTE, STINGING, HARSH, SEVERE, or descriptive terms like GRUELING and EXCRUCIATING, depending on the letter count and nuance.
How do I identify the right "painful" answer by letter count?
Identifying the right answer by letter count involves checking the number of available slots in your crossword grid. Then, cross-reference this with known synonyms for "painful." For example, 'SORE' is 4 letters, while 'EXCRUCIATING' is 12 letters. If other crossing words fit a particular length, that's often your best bet.