clean crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your premier destination for solving those tricky crossword clues! If you're stumped by "clean crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease and confidence.
Solutions for "clean crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
NEAT: Free from disorder or dirt; tidy.
WASH: To clean with water and soap or detergent.
5 Letters
RINSE: To wash (something) with clean water to remove soap or dirt.
SCOUR: To clean or brighten the surface of (something) by rubbing it hard.
6 Letters
POLISH: To make (something) smooth and shiny by rubbing it.
7 Letters
STERILE: Completely free from living microorganisms; exceptionally clean.
10 Letters
IMMACULATE: Perfectly clean, neat, or tidy.
More About "clean crossword clue"
The word "clean" is a classic in crossword puzzles due to its rich array of synonyms and nuanced meanings. It can act as a verb, an adjective, or even be part of an idiom, leading to a wide range of possible answers. Puzzles often play on these variations, challenging solvers to think beyond the most obvious definitions. When you encounter "clean" as a clue, consider whether it's asking for a state of being (like 'neat' or 'pure'), an action to achieve that state (like 'wash' or 'scrub'), or a more abstract concept (like a 'clean' record).
Crossword setters love "clean" because it allows for creativity in cluing. You might find it paired with indicators for anagrams, hidden words, or even cryptic definitions that require a deeper understanding of the word's usage. By understanding the multiple facets of "clean," you'll be better equipped to crack even the trickiest clues it presents.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "clean," think of all direct synonyms (tidy, pure, spotless) but also consider antonyms if the clue implies the opposite (e.g., 'not clean' might lead to 'dirty' or 'soiled').
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is "clean" being used as a verb (to clean), an adjective (a clean room), or even a noun (the clean of the house)? This will guide you towards the correct type of answer (e.g., an action verb vs. a descriptive word).
- Look for Contextual Clues: The surrounding words in the clue or the given letters in the grid can significantly narrow down the possibilities. If it's a themed puzzle, the theme might provide an additional hint for "clean."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many meanings can "clean" have in a crossword clue?
The clue 'clean' is highly versatile in crosswords. It can refer to a state of tidiness (e.g., NEAT, TIDY), an action of purification or removal of dirt (e.g., WASH, RINSE, SCOUR, WIPE), a moral state (e.g., PURE), or even a 'clean' hit or break, implying skill or precision. Always consider the context of the puzzle and surrounding letters.
What kind of answers does 'clean' often lead to?
'Clean' frequently leads to synonyms like PURE, TIDY, NEAT, SPOTLESS, or actions such as WIPE, WASH, MOP, SWEEP, RINSE, SCRUB, POLISH, and SCOUR. It might also refer to words describing a sterile or unblemished state, like STERILE or IMMACULATE, or even metaphorical 'clean' slates.
Are there common tricks when 'clean' is clued in crosswords?
Beyond direct synonyms, 'clean' can sometimes be clued via wordplay. Look out for its use as a verb versus an adjective. For instance, 'Clean the slate' implies starting fresh. Also, consider its opposite for antonym clues, or if it's part of an idiom. Always check if the clue is asking for a past tense verb (cleaned) or a noun related to the act of cleaning (cleaner).