criticise crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "criticise", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "criticise crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DECRY: Publicly denounce as faulty or worthless.
KNOCK: To find fault with, criticize, or disparage.
6 Letters
REVILE: To criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner.
7 Letters
CENSURE: To express severe disapproval of (someone or something), especially in a formal statement.
More About "criticise crossword clue"
The word "criticise" is a common and versatile clue in crosswords, often leading to a range of synonyms that express disapproval, judgment, or fault-finding. Depending on the puzzle's style and the specific nuance the constructor aims for, answers can range from formal condemnations to more informal, everyday expressions of criticism.
When encountering "criticise," it's crucial to consider not just the dictionary definition but also the context. Is the criticism formal or informal? Mild or harsh? This can help you differentiate between answers like DECRY (publicly denounce), CENSURE (formal disapproval), and KNOCK (informal disparagement). The number of letters and any intersecting words are always your best friends in narrowing down the possibilities.
Crossword setters love to use synonyms that fit various lengths, making clues like "criticise" excellent test cases for your vocabulary. Mastering these common synonyms will significantly boost your crossword-solving prowess, enabling you to tackle even the trickiest puzzles with confidence.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the blank spaces. This immediately eliminates many possibilities for "criticise" and similar clues, focusing your search on words of the correct length.
- Check Intersecting Words: Fill in any letters from words that cross your "criticise" clue. These letters are the most powerful tool you have for confirming or eliminating potential answers.
- Consider Nuance and Tone: If there are multiple answers of the same length, think about the tone implied by "criticise." Is it a strong, formal criticism (e.g., CENSURE) or a more casual one (e.g., KNOCK)? This subtle distinction can be the key.
- Look for Anagrams or Wordplay: While less common for direct synonyms, some clues might involve wordplay or anagrams of 'criticise' or related words. Stay vigilant for such twists, especially in themed puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'criticise' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'criticise' often points to synonyms like CENSURE, DECRY, REVILE, or KNOCK. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and any crossing letters you have. It can also hint at words describing the *act* of criticism, like 'berate' or 'chide'.
How do I choose the right answer when there are multiple words for 'criticise'?
To pick the correct answer, first count the number of letters in the blank. Then, look at any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These crossing letters will narrow down the possibilities significantly. Context from the puzzle's theme or other clues can also help.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes related to 'criticise' in crosswords?
While not directly prefixes/suffixes of 'criticise' itself, you might see clues that use phrases like 'criticise sharply' (to BERATE) or 'criticise harshly' (to REVILE). Look for adverbs that modify the verb 'criticise' as they often hint at a more specific synonym.