decreased crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the 'decreased' crossword clue, you've landed in the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, along with helpful explanations, to ensure you complete your puzzle with ease. Find the perfect fit for your grid based on the number of letters you need!
Solutions for "decreased crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
WANED: To diminish gradually in size, extent, or power; to decline. Often used for light or power.
7 Letters
REDUCED: Made smaller or less in amount, degree, or size. A very common and direct synonym for 'decreased'.
DROPPED: To fall or let fall; to make something or someone move to a lower level or position.
8 Letters
LESSENED: Made less strong, intense, or severe. Implies a reduction in degree or impact, similar to 'decreased'.
10 Letters
DIMINISHED: Made smaller or less in amount, extent, or intensity. A more formal or pronounced 'decrease'.
More About "decreased crossword clue"
The clue "decreased" is a fairly common and straightforward one in crosswords, but it can still pose a challenge due to the variety of synonyms available. Crossword constructors love words that have multiple interpretations or various shades of meaning. When you see "decreased," think about context: Is it decreased in size, intensity, volume, or number?
Understanding the nuances between terms like 'reduced,' 'lessened,' 'waned,' and 'diminished' is key. While all imply a reduction, their typical usage can guide you. For example, 'waned' often refers to light or power, while 'reduced' is more general. Always check the number of letters your grid requires, as this is the most crucial piece of information for narrowing down the possible solutions.
Our goal at Answercrossword.com is to provide not just the answer, but also the context and understanding to help you become a better solver. By offering multiple solutions and explanations, we aim to cover all possibilities for 'decreased,' ensuring you have the right word at your fingertips.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always double-check the exact number of squares available for the answer. This is the single most important factor in determining the correct solution for a clue like "decreased".
- Consider the Tense: "Decreased" is a past tense verb. Most answers will also be in the past tense (e.g., REDUCED, WANED). Be mindful of this grammatical consistency.
- Think of Contextual Synonyms: Depending on the puzzle's theme or other clues, "decreased" might lean towards specific types of reduction. For instance, if other clues are financial, think of 'cut' or 'lowered'. If they are about light or sound, think 'faded' or 'softened'.
- Use Cross-References: If you're stuck on "decreased," solve intersecting clues first. The letters you fill in will provide crucial hints, reducing the possibilities for the "decreased" answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find synonyms for 'decreased' in crosswords?
When encountering a clue like 'decreased,' consider various synonyms based on the context and required letter count. Common synonyms include 'reduced,' 'lessened,' 'shrunk,' 'waned,' 'abated,' or 'diminished.' Pay attention to any additional words in the clue that might narrow down the meaning, such as 'decreased (in size)' or 'decreased (intensity).'"
What's the difference between 'reduced' and 'diminished' in crossword clues?
'Reduced' often implies a general cut or bringing something down to a simpler or smaller state. 'Diminished' suggests a more significant or notable reduction, sometimes implying a loss of quality or importance. In crosswords, either could be valid, but 'diminished' tends to be a longer answer, while 'reduced' is more versatile for shorter lengths."
Are there common tricks for 'decreased' type clues in crosswords?
Yes, common tricks for 'decreased' clues often involve looking for past tense verbs (like 'reduced,' 'waned,' 'dropped'). Sometimes, the clue might imply a decrease without using the word directly, such as 'lost strength' or 'fell back.' Also, consider if the clue is looking for an adjective describing something that has decreased (e.g., 'smaller')."