Hurt

ACHED

Think of a past-tense word that describes a dull, lingering pain rather than a sharp one.

"Hurt" is a straightforward clue where the answer is a synonym—"ached" means to feel a dull, persistent pain. The wordplay is simple: no tricks or puns, just a direct definition. Think of how you’d describe a sore muscle or a lingering discomfort, and "ached" fits perfectly. It’s a common crossword answer for physical or emotional pain.