degrade crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! Stuck on 'degrade crossword clue'? You've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your crossword puzzle.
Solutions for "degrade crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ABASE: To lower in rank, status, or esteem; to humble or demean someone.
ERODE: To gradually wear away or destroy, often by natural forces like wind or water.
DECRY: To publicly denounce or disparage as being bad or worthless.
6 Letters
DEBASE: To reduce in quality or value; to lower in character or moral quality.
DEMOTE: To reduce to a lower rank or position.
HUMBLE: To lower (someone) in dignity or importance; to make someone feel less important or proud.
8 Letters
BELITTLE: To make (someone or something) seem unimportant or disparage.
8 Letters
DISGRACE: To bring shame or discredit upon someone or something.
More About "degrade crossword clue"
"Degrade" is a versatile word, making it a common and sometimes tricky clue in crosswords. Its meanings span several categories, from a physical wearing down to a social or moral lowering. Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer.
When you see "degrade," consider if the puzzle implies a reduction in quality (like DEBASE), a demotion in status (like DEMOTE or ABASE), a process of erosion or decay (like ERODE), or the act of speaking ill of someone or something (like DECRY or BELITTLE). Each of these interpretations offers a distinct set of synonyms that could be the hidden answer in your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always consider the surrounding clues and any letters you've already filled in. The context might point to whether "degrade" means physical wear, moral decline, or a reduction in value.
- Brainstorm Synonyms: For a clue like "degrade," list out as many synonyms as you can think of. Then, check which ones fit the available letter count in your puzzle.
- Check Word Lengths: Crossword clues often have multiple answers depending on the required length. If you're stuck, knowing the exact number of letters can significantly narrow down the possibilities.
- Think of Opposites: Sometimes, considering antonyms can indirectly lead you to the correct answer. What's the opposite of degrade? Promote, enhance, improve. This can sometimes trigger the right synonym for 'degrade'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'degrade' mean in a crossword context?
'Degrade' in crosswords can refer to several related concepts: to lower in status, quality, or moral standing (e.g., ABASE, DEBASE, DEMOTE, DISGRACE), to wear away physically (e.g., ERODE), or to make something seem less important (e.g., BELITTLE).
How can I find answers to short crossword clues like 'degrade'?
For short clues, consider synonyms that fit various lengths, think about different contexts (physical, social, moral), and always pay attention to any letters you've already filled in. Online crossword solvers and dictionaries of synonyms are excellent resources for quick help.
Are crossword answers always single words?
Most crossword answers are single words, but occasionally they can be short phrases or acronyms. The number of boxes in the grid will always indicate the exact length, including spaces or hyphens if they are part of a phrase and explicitly indicated.