crossword clue plague – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the crossword clue "plague", you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible solutions, categorized by their letter count, to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "crossword clue plague" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PEST: Often used for a persistent annoyance or a troublesome person, fitting a milder form of 'plague'.
5 Letters
SCOUR: While meaning to clean, it can also imply devastating or laying waste, connecting to the impact of a plague.
6 Letters
BLIGHT: Refers to a disease or something that causes rapid decay or destruction, typically in plants, but also used metaphorically.
7 Letters
SCOURGE: A person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering, a very strong synonym for 'plague'.
10 Letters
PESTILENCE: A fatal epidemic disease, a direct and often literal synonym for a 'plague'.
More About "crossword clue plague"
The word "plague" in crossword puzzles is a rich clue, often tapping into both its literal and metaphorical meanings. Historically, a plague refers to a widespread infectious disease with a high mortality rate, such as the bubonic plague. However, in crosswords, it frequently extends to anything that causes widespread trouble, annoyance, or destruction. This versatility means solvers must consider context, surrounding clues, and letter counts carefully.
Clues using "plague" might be looking for words describing a natural disaster, an infestation, a persistent nuisance, or even a deep-seated problem. For instance, a small, irritating insect might be clued as a "plague," leading to answers like PEST. Conversely, a clue describing a devastating historical event would likely lead to longer, more serious answers like PESTILENCE or EPIDEMIC. Understanding this dual nature is key to unlocking the puzzle.
The metaphorical use of "plague" is particularly common in crosswords. It allows setters to use words like BANE, AFFLICTION, or CURSE, which describe something that causes significant distress or ruin, without necessarily implying a biological disease. Always consider synonyms for "annoyance," "trouble," and "ruin" when tackling this clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Word Length: Shorter answers for "plague" often lean towards metaphorical annoyances (e.g., PEST), while longer ones might be literal diseases (e.g., PESTILENCE).
- Think Synonyms Broadly: Don't limit yourself to just medical terms. Expand your synonym search to include words for annoyance, curse, blight, or even a persistent problem.
- Check Cross-Clues: The letters revealed by intersecting words are your best friends. They can quickly narrow down the possibilities and confirm if you're on the right track for a literal or metaphorical interpretation.
- Look for Context: Sometimes, the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can hint at the specific meaning of "plague" the setter intends. For example, if other clues are historical, a literal plague might be intended.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "plague" typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "plague" can refer to a literal epidemic disease, but more often it's used metaphorically to mean a widespread affliction, a persistent annoyance, a bane, or something that causes great trouble or suffering. Think synonyms like 'pest', 'scourge', 'bane', 'blight', or 'affliction'.
Are there common synonyms for "plague" used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include PEST (for an annoyance), BANE (a cause of great distress or annoyance), SCOURGE (a person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering), BLIGHT (a thing that spoils or damages something), CURSE (something that causes trouble or harm), and more direct terms like PESTILENCE.
How can I distinguish between literal and metaphorical "plague" clues?
The length of the answer is often a good indicator. Shorter answers like 'PEST' or 'BANE' lean towards the metaphorical annoyance. Longer answers like 'PESTILENCE' or 'EPIDEMIC' are more likely to be literal. Also, consider any surrounding clue words or the theme of the puzzle if known.