crossword clue besmirched – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all possible solutions for the crossword clue "besmirched", complete with explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and confidently. We cover answers of various lengths, ensuring you get the perfect fit.
Solutions for "crossword clue besmirched" by Letter Count
6 Letters
SOILED: Made dirty or stained.
TARRED: Figuratively, to disgrace or blacken one's reputation, as if coated in tar.
7 Letters
DEFILED: Damaged the purity or appearance of; made dirty or impure.
SULLIED: Damaged the purity or integrity of; disgraced.
STAINED: Marked or discolored with a dirty spot; tarnished a reputation.
11 Letters
DISCREDITED: Harmed the good reputation of (someone or something).
More About "crossword clue besmirched"
"Besmirched" is a verb that means to damage the reputation of (someone or something) in the eyes of others, or to make something dirty or stained. In crosswords, it often appears as a clue that requires a synonym related to defilement, disgrace, or tarnishing. The word itself carries a strong negative connotation, implying a loss of purity, honor, or cleanliness.
Common themes for answers to "besmirched" include words that describe the act of soiling, staining, or dishonoring. The challenge in crosswords lies in finding the exact synonym that matches the required letter count and fits with intersecting words. Understanding the nuanced differences between words like "sullied" (often related to moral purity or reputation) and "soiled" (more directly related to physical dirt) can be key to selecting the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: Consider if "besmirched" in the specific puzzle implies physical dirt, a damaged reputation, or a more abstract form of defilement. This can narrow down the potential synonyms.
- Check Word Endings: Many answers for "besmirched" (being a past participle) will also be past participles, often ending in -ED (e.g., SOILED, STAINED, DEFILED).
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from other clues. These are crucial for confirming the correct answer, especially when multiple synonyms of the same length exist.
- Think of Figurative Meanings: Words like "TARRED" might not mean literally covered in tar, but figuratively disgraced, which fits "besmirched." Always consider both literal and figurative interpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'besmirched' mean in a crossword context?
'Besmirched' in a crossword context typically refers to synonyms for defiling, making dirty, or disgracing. It often points to words like SULLIED, DEFILED, STAINED, or TARRED, focusing on damage to reputation or physical purity.
How can I find synonyms for 'besmirched' in crosswords?
To find synonyms for 'besmirched' in crosswords, consider words related to making something dirty, dishonoring, or damaging a reputation. Think about verbs that describe ruining a good name or appearance. Pay attention to the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues.
Are there common word patterns for 'besmirched' answers?
While there isn't one single common pattern, answers to 'besmirched' often end in -ED as they are past participles (e.g., SULLIED, DEFILED, STAINED, SOILED, TARRED). Look for verbs that imply an action of soiling or disgracing, frequently in their past tense form.