crossword clue dwindle – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "dwindle," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their length, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue dwindle" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FADE: To gradually grow faint or disappear, often used in the context of light, color, or sound, but metaphorically applicable to strength or numbers.
WANE: To decrease in vigor, power, or extent; become weaker or smaller, typically used for the moon or for something that's declining.
5 Letters
ERODE: To gradually wear away or disintegrate, often due to natural forces, but can imply a diminishing over time.
ABATE: To make or become less intense or widespread.
6 Letters
LESSEN: To make or become less; diminish, especially in amount, degree, or intensity.
SHRINK: To become smaller, especially as a result of the effects of heat, cold, or water.
RECEDE: To go or move back or further away from a previous position.
8 Letters
DIMINISH: To make or become less, smaller, or weaker.
DECREASE: To make or become smaller or fewer in amount, extent, or intensity.
More About "crossword clue dwindle"
"Dwindle" is a common word in crosswords that often points to synonyms related to reduction, lessening, or gradual disappearance. The verb implies a steady, continuous decline rather than an abrupt halt. When you encounter this clue, think about words that suggest something becoming smaller, weaker, or less numerous over time. This could apply to anything from a population to a feeling, a supply, or even physical size.
The beauty of crossword puzzles lies in their ability to use words with multiple meanings or subtle nuances. For "dwindle," solvers should consider not just direct synonyms, but also terms that describe the *process* of dwindling, such as erosion, fading, or waning. Always pay attention to the context of the puzzle, if any, and the number of letters required.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of boxes available is your most crucial hint. If "dwindle" has four boxes, you'll immediately narrow down your options from a broad range of synonyms.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from crossing clues. These provide concrete anchors, often revealing the correct answer even when you're initially stumped.
- Consider Nuance and Context: While "dwindle" means to decrease, some synonyms like "fade" suggest disappearance, while "shrink" implies a physical reduction. The specific context of the puzzle or the surrounding clues might hint at the most appropriate synonym.
- Think Beyond Direct Synonyms: Sometimes, the answer isn't a perfect synonym but a word that describes a *result* or *process* of dwindling (e.g., "erode" for something wearing away).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'dwindle' mean in a crossword puzzle context?
In crosswords, 'dwindle' clues typically refer to words meaning to decrease, diminish, lessen, or waste away. Look for synonyms relating to a reduction in size, quantity, or intensity.
How can I find the correct length for 'dwindle' clues?
The best way is to use intersecting letters from other clues. If you have a few letters, you can often narrow down the possible answers that fit the 'dwindle' meaning and the existing letter pattern.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for 'dwindle' synonyms?
While not always a rule, answers for 'dwindle' might sometimes include prefixes like 'DE-' (decrease, degrade) or suffixes that indicate a reduction. However, direct synonyms are more common.