defeat by a large margin crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "defeat by a large margin crossword," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution. Let's solve that puzzle!
Solutions for "defeat by a large margin crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ROUT: A complete and crushing defeat in a contest or battle, often with the losing side in disorderly retreat. This is a very common answer for significant defeats.
5 Letters
SWAMP: To overwhelm or defeat utterly, often by sheer numbers, force, or a dominant performance. Implies one side was completely engulfed by the other.
6 Letters
THRASH: To defeat someone heavily and decisively, leaving no doubt about the outcome. It suggests a thorough and powerful victory.
7 Letters
CLOBBER: An informal term meaning to defeat very decisively or to hit very hard. When used in the context of defeat, it strongly conveys a large margin.
8 Letters
DECIMATE: While historically meaning to reduce by one-tenth, this word is widely used today to describe causing great destruction or harm to, or drastically reducing the numbers of something, implying a severe and widespread defeat.
10 Letters
OBLITERATE: To destroy completely or wipe out, signifying a total and devastating defeat where nothing is left standing or recoverable.
More About "defeat by a large margin crossword"
The clue "defeat by a large margin" is a classic in the world of crosswords, designed to elicit terms that denote not just a loss, but a crushing and overwhelming one. Puzzlers often encounter variations of this clue, and the key to solving it lies in understanding the intensity implied by "large margin." It's not about a narrow victory, but a decisive rout where one side completely dominates the other.
Words fitting this description typically carry strong connotations of destruction, overwhelming force, or complete suppression. From a sports context to military engagements or political races, the concept of a 'large margin' implies a significant disparity in capability or performance. Recognizing these nuances helps narrow down the possibilities from a vast lexicon of synonyms for 'defeat' to those specifically indicating a comprehensive win.
When you see this clue, think about verbs that describe complete subjugation or nouns that represent a total collapse. The length of the answer is often your best guide, allowing you to cycle through potential words like ROUT for shorter answers, or OBLITERATE for longer ones, ensuring you pinpoint the exact word the puzzle constructor had in mind.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Connotation: For clues like "defeat by a large margin," think about the *degree* of the action. Is it a slight defeat or an overwhelming one? This helps differentiate between similar words.
- Check Surrounding Letters: Even with multiple possible answers, the letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues are your best friends. They'll quickly confirm or eliminate potential solutions.
- Think of Contextual Synonyms: Sometimes, a clue might relate to a specific field (e.g., sports, military). Consider how "defeat by a large margin" might be phrased in those contexts to find less common but accurate synonyms.
- Use a Crossword Solver (Wisely): If truly stuck, a solver like Answercrossword.com can provide options. However, try to understand *why* an answer fits, rather than just copying it, to improve your own solving skills.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'defeat by a large margin' imply in a crossword clue?
'Defeat by a large margin' suggests an overwhelming victory by one side over another, where the losing party was significantly outmatched. In crosswords, this often points to words like ROUT, SWAMP, THRASH, or OBLITERATE, which convey a decisive and often crushing defeat rather than a narrow win.
Are there common synonyms for 'overwhelm' used in crosswords related to defeat?
Yes, 'overwhelm' is a key concept linked to 'defeat by a large margin'. Common crossword synonyms for overwhelming defeat include verbs like SWAMP, FLOOD, ENGULF, or even more aggressive terms like CLOBBER or HAMMER. These words describe not just a win, but a comprehensive and dominant victory.
How can I approach cryptic clues that hint at a large defeat?
When facing cryptic clues about large defeats, look for words that imply destruction, total victory, or severe damage. Consider different parts of speech—nouns for the defeat itself (e.g., ROUT) or verbs describing the act of defeating (e.g., THRASH, ANNIHILATE). Also, pay attention to the letter count; longer answers might use more elaborate synonyms, while shorter ones will often be concise and impactful terms.