crossword clue besmirch – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "besmirch." On this page, you'll find all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue besmirch" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SULLY: To damage the purity or integrity of something, especially a reputation or character.
TAINT: To contaminate or corrupt, often used metaphorically for damaging a reputation.
STAIN: To mark or discolor, often metaphorically for a person's reputation or character.
6 Letters
DEFILE: To make unclean or impure, often in a moral or ceremonial sense, thereby damaging reputation.
8 Letters
DISGRACE: To bring shame or discredit upon someone or something; to cause loss of honor or respect.
9 Letters
DENIGRATE: To criticize unfairly; disparage; to speak damagingly of someone's reputation.
More About "crossword clue besmirch"
"Besmirch" is a rich and evocative word that crossword setters love to use. It means to damage the reputation of someone or something, to make it dirty or impure, often metaphorically. When you encounter this clue, think about actions that tarnish, spoil, or sully. The word itself carries a strong negative connotation, implying a loss of purity, honor, or good standing. Understanding these nuances helps in pinpointing the correct synonym.
Common themes for 'besmirch' answers revolve around words describing a loss of integrity, a moral defilement, or the act of speaking ill of someone. This clue often appears in puzzles looking for precise synonyms that fit specific letter counts. Paying attention to the context of the clue, if any additional descriptors are provided, can also guide you to the most accurate solution among the various possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Word Length: Always check the number of boxes in the grid first. This is your primary filter for potential answers to "besmirch."
- Consider Nuances and Context: While many synonyms exist for "besmirch," some puzzles might subtly hint at a specific one. For example, a clue mentioning "moral" might lean towards "DEFILE" or "TAINT" more strongly.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: For longer words like "DENIGRATE" or "DISGRACE," if you have a few letters already filled in, try common prefixes (like 'DE-' or 'DIS-') or suffixes to help complete the word.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Clues: The most reliable method is to use the letters from intersecting words. Even one correct letter can reveal the solution for "besmirch."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'besmirch' typically mean in a crossword clue context?
In crosswords, 'besmirch' commonly refers to actions that tarnish, spoil, or damage someone's reputation, character, or good name. Clues often look for synonyms like SULLY, TAINT, DEFILE, or STAIN, all implying a negative impact on integrity or public image.
Are there common letter patterns or lengths for answers to 'besmirch'?
Yes, common answers like SULLY (5 letters), TAINT (5 letters), DEFILE (6 letters), and DISGRACE (8 letters) are frequently used. Paying attention to the number of letters required in the puzzle can quickly narrow down the possibilities for 'besmirch'.
How can I distinguish between similar synonyms like SULLY and TAINT for 'besmirch'?
While SULLY and TAINT are very close in meaning and often interchangeable for 'besmirch,' the surrounding letters in the crossword puzzle are usually your best guide. Sometimes, a subtle nuance in the clue (e.g., 'morally taint' vs. 'sully reputation') might hint at one over the other, but primarily rely on matching letters.