assail as a reputation crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "assail as a reputation", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "assail as a reputation crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SULLY: To damage the purity or integrity of; defile.
TAINT: To contaminate or corrupt, often morally or reputationally.
STAIN: To mark or discolor; metaphorically, to damage one's reputation.
7 Letters
BLEMISH: To spoil the perfection or appearance of something, often a reputation.
8 Letters
BESMIRCH: To damage the reputation of (someone or something) in the eyes of others.
9 Letters
DENIGRATE: To criticize unfairly; disparage. Often used when attempting to damage someone's reputation.
More About "assail as a reputation crossword clue"
The phrase "assail as a reputation" in a crossword clue context points to verbs that describe the act of attacking, defaming, or damaging someone's good name or public image. It's a common type of clue that tests your vocabulary related to character assassination, discrediting, or tarnishing. The answers often reflect a spectrum from mild damage (like a stain) to more severe and deliberate destruction of reputation (like denigrating someone).
Understanding the synonyms for 'attack' and 'damage' in a figurative sense is key here. Words like SULLY, TAINT, and STAIN imply a spoiling or defiling, often in a subtle or insidious way. Meanwhile, BESMIRCH and DENIGRATE suggest a more direct and often verbal assault on one's standing. Crossword constructors love these types of clues because they allow for multiple valid answers depending on the available letter count and the specific nuance they wish to convey.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always start by checking the number of boxes available. This is the most crucial filter. For "assail as a reputation," if you have 5 boxes, you're likely looking at SULLY, TAINT, or STAIN.
- Consider Synonyms and Nuances: Think broadly about words that mean to harm or attack a reputation. Don't just stick to the most obvious; sometimes a more archaic or less common synonym is the answer. Pay attention to any other words in the clue that might hint at a specific nuance.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. This is often the fastest way to confirm or rule out potential answers for a challenging clue like this one.
- Think Figuratively: Clues about reputations are often figurative. The "assail" isn't a physical attack but a verbal or social one. Keep this in mind when brainstorming words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'assail' mean in general?
Generally, 'assail' means to make a violent attack on. This can be a physical attack, but often, especially in the context of reputation, it means to attack with words or criticism.
Is there a difference between 'sully' and 'besmirch'?
'Sully' and 'besmirch' are very similar in meaning when referring to reputation. Both mean to damage someone's good name. 'Besmirch' might carry a slightly stronger connotation of defaming or publicly disgracing, while 'sully' can sometimes imply a more general defilement or dirtying, though both are used interchangeably for reputation damage.
Why do crosswords use phrases like 'as a reputation'?
Crossword constructors use phrases like 'as a reputation' to provide context and guide solvers towards the specific meaning of a word when it has multiple senses. This ensures you pick the verb that damages a reputation, rather than, say, physically assailing a person or object.