defeat crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "defeat crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "defeat crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ROUT: To decisively defeat or cause to retreat in disorder.
BEAT: To win against an opponent in a game or contest.
LICK: To easily defeat someone.
BEST: To get the better of; defeat.
4 Letters
WHIP: To defeat easily and thoroughly.
6 Letters
TOPPLE: To cause to become unsteady and fall; often used figuratively for overthrowing a leader or regime.
THRASH: To defeat someone very thoroughly.
7 Letters
CONQUER: To overcome and take control of a place or people by military force; to successfully overcome a problem or weakness.
8 Letters
OVERCOME: To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.
VANQUISH: To defeat thoroughly.
More About "defeat crossword clue"
The word "defeat" is a classic crossword staple, appearing in puzzles across various difficulty levels. Its versatility allows clue setters to use it in many contexts, from sports victories to political downfalls, and from literal battles to overcoming personal challenges. This means answers can range from short, common verbs to more evocative or formal terms.
When encountering "defeat crossword clue," consider the nuance of the clue itself. Is it asking for a synonym of winning, or is it referring to a state of being defeated? Does the clue imply a quick and decisive victory (like ROUT or LICK) or a prolonged struggle ending in triumph (like CONQUER or OVERCOME)? Paying attention to these subtle cues can help you pinpoint the exact word the setter has in mind, fitting perfectly into your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Words like "defeat" can have many synonyms. Is the clue playful, formal, or aggressive? This can hint at the best answer (e.g., "Trounce" might lead to THRASH, while "Best" is more direct).
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters in the grid against your potential answers. This is the simplest and most crucial step for validation.
- Look for Checking Letters: Use any already-filled letters from intersecting words. These "checking letters" are your best friends for confirming or eliminating possible answers.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes "defeat" might be part of a phrasal verb not immediately obvious. While less common for a direct synonym clue, it's good to keep in mind for trickier puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'defeat' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'defeat' commonly refers to synonyms like beat, rout, lick, overcome, conquer, or vanquish. Clues can be literal or figurative, so considering the various ways one can 'defeat' something (an opponent, a challenge, an army) is key.
How do I find the right length answer for 'defeat'?
The length of the answer is crucial. If you have checking letters, use them to narrow down possibilities. If not, consider common short synonyms (e.g., BEAT, LICK) and longer, more formal ones (e.g., OVERCOME, VANQUISH) until one fits the grid.
Are there common synonyms for 'defeat' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include BEAT, ROUT, LICK, BEST, WHIP (for shorter answers), and OVERCOME, CONQUER, VANQUISH, THRASH, TOPPLE (for longer answers). The specific context of the clue might hint at which synonym is most appropriate.