Crossword Genius

More painful ulcer treated, will save her in the end (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

crueller

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'more painful' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are comparative adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'ulcer treated will save her in the end' is the wordplay.
'treated' indicates an anagram.
'in the end' says to take the final letters.
The last letters of 'will save her' are 'ler'.
'ulcer' with letters rearranged gives 'cruel'.
'cruel'+'ler'='CRUELLER'

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I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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