crossword clue malodorous – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "malodorous," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "crossword clue malodorous" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FOUL: Having a highly unpleasant smell.
RANK: Strongly or offensively bad-smelling.
5 Letters
FETID: Smelling extremely unpleasant or offensive.
REEKY: Having a strong, unpleasant smell, often of smoke or damp.
6 Letters
SMELLY: Having an unpleasant or strong smell.
STINKY: Emitting a strong, offensive smell.
More About "crossword clue malodorous"
"Malodorous" is a descriptive adjective used to describe something with a very unpleasant smell. In crosswords, clues featuring this word often test your vocabulary for various synonyms of "bad-smelling." The richness of the English language provides many options, which makes it a frequent and versatile clue for setters.
Understanding the nuances between words like "fetid," "putrid," and "rank" can be key. While all denote an unpleasant smell, some imply a more intense or specific type of odor, such as decay (putrid) or a strong, stale, offensive smell (rank). Crossword constructors will often choose the word that best fits the letter count and the overall theme of the puzzle, so having a broad range of synonyms at your fingertips is invaluable.
Beyond literal synonyms, sometimes "malodorous" can hint at something morally or ethically unpleasant, as in "a malodorous scheme." However, in most standard crosswords, it refers to the literal sense of smell. Always consider the context of the puzzle – is it a general knowledge puzzle, or does it have a specific theme that might lean towards a figurative meaning?
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Crossers First: Before guessing a full answer, fill in any letters from crossing words. This significantly narrows down the possibilities for "malodorous."
- Consider Letter Count: The number of boxes in the grid is your best friend. For "malodorous," knowing if you need a 4-letter or 6-letter word immediately eliminates many options.
- Think of Intensity: Some synonyms of malodorous imply different levels of unpleasantness. If the clue has an intensifier (e.g., "extremely malodorous"), look for stronger synonyms like PUTRID or FETID.
- Keep a Thesaurus Handy: For clues involving descriptive words like "malodorous," a quick look at a thesaurus can reveal a host of synonyms you might not immediately recall.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'malodorous' mean in a crossword context?
'Malodorous' means having a bad or unpleasant smell. In crosswords, it typically points to synonyms like STINKY, FOUL, RANK, FETID, or SMELLY. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and any crossing letters.
How many letters are common for 'malodorous' answers?
Common answers for 'malodorous' in crosswords range from 4 to 6 letters, though variations exist. Words like FOUL (4 letters), RANK (4 letters), FETID (5 letters), SMELLY (6 letters), and STINKY (6 letters) are frequently encountered.
Are there other clues related to 'smell' that are similar to 'malodorous'?
Yes, clues like 'Foul-smelling,' 'Having a strong odor,' or 'Noxious-smelling' are very similar to 'malodorous.' Conversely, clues about pleasant smells like 'Fragrant' or 'Aromatic' would yield opposite answers. Always pay attention to the nuance of the clue's adjective.