besmirch crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "besmirch" clue, you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive answers by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease and expand your vocabulary.
Solutions for "besmirch crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SULLY: To damage the purity or integrity of something; to tarnish a reputation.
STAIN: To mark or discolor, often permanently; to damage someone's reputation.
TAINT: To contaminate or corrupt; to affect with a moral blemish.
6 Letters
DEFILE: To spoil the purity or appearance of something; to desecrate or pollute.
SMIRCH: To make something dirty; to discredit or tarnish (a reputation).
7 Letters
ASPERSE: To attack the reputation of someone or something with false statements.
SLANDER: The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
8 Letters
DISGRACE: To bring shame or discredit upon someone or something.
More About "besmirch crossword clue"
"Besmirch" is a classic crossword clue that often appears due to its rich meaning and several common synonyms of varying lengths. At its core, "besmirch" means to damage the reputation of someone or something, or to make something dirty or stained. This duality allows constructors to use it in both literal (e.g., about clothes or objects) and figurative (e.g., about character or honor) senses, making it a versatile clue.
When you encounter "besmirch" in a puzzle, consider the context if available. Is it an abstract concept or a physical action? This can help narrow down possibilities between words like STAIN (physical) and ASPERSE (reputational). Words like SULLY and DEFILE are strong general-purpose synonyms that can apply to both physical and moral tarnishing.
Understanding the nuances of these synonyms will not only help you solve the current puzzle but also build your vocabulary for future challenges. Pay attention to common letter counts for these words, as they frequently recur in puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always start by counting the exact number of spaces for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Crosswords frequently use synonyms or antonyms. Think of all words related to the clue, even if they aren't direct fits, as they might lead you to the correct answer.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Words like 'BE-' (as in besmirch, bewilder) or common suffixes can sometimes hint at the type of word or its origin. Though less common for 'besmirch' answers, it's a useful general strategy.
- Use Intersecting Words: The most powerful tool in crosswords is using the letters from already solved intersecting words to fill in blanks and confirm your answers.
- Practice Regularity: The more puzzles you solve, the more familiar you become with common clues, answers, and constructor patterns.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for 'besmirch' with 5 letters?
The most common 5-letter answers for 'besmirch' are SULLY, STAIN, and TAINT. These are frequently used due to their direct synonymy and common word lengths in puzzles.
Can 'besmirch' ever mean something positive in a crossword?
No, 'besmirch' inherently carries a negative connotation, meaning to defile, dishonor, or tarnish. In crosswords, it will always point towards an answer with a similar negative meaning.
Why are there so many answers for one crossword clue?
Many words in the English language have multiple synonyms, and crossword constructors pick from these based on the required letter count and the overall theme or difficulty of the puzzle. A word like 'besmirch' has a rich set of related terms that fit various lengths, leading to multiple possible solutions for the same clue.