drain away nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "drain away" from your New York Times crossword, you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate answers for all letter counts, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "drain away nyt crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EBB: To recede or diminish, often used for tides or resources. This is a very common answer for 'drain away' or 'go out' clues.
5 Letters
EMPTY: To remove all contents from something, making it void or hollow. While 'empty' is usually an action, it can imply that something has drained away.
6 Letters
RECEDE: To go or move back or further away from a previous position. Often used for water levels, hair lines, or abstract concepts like hope.
7 Letters
DEPLETE: To use up or exhaust the supply of, often referring to resources, energy, or funds. This perfectly captures the idea of something draining away to nothing.
More About "drain away nyt crossword"
The clue "drain away" is a classic in the world of crosswords, particularly in prominent puzzles like the New York Times. Its appeal to setters lies in its flexibility; it can refer to a physical process, like water receding, or a more abstract concept, such as resources dwindling or hope diminishing. This allows for a diverse range of answers, which keeps solvers on their toes.
Understanding the nuances of "drain away" is key to solving it. For instance, if the clue hints at a short answer, "EBB" is often the go-to. If a longer word is needed, terms like "RECEDE" or "DEPLETE" become viable. The context provided by intersecting letters is always crucial, guiding you to the precise synonym that fits the puzzle's theme and structure.
Mastering such common yet multi-faceted clues significantly improves your crossword performance. It’s not just about knowing the answer, but understanding why different words fit, which in turn builds your vocabulary and critical thinking skills for future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always start by noting the number of letters in the answer blank. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and guides your thought process towards words of the correct length, like EBB for 3 letters or DEPLETE for 7.
- Consider Nuance: While "drain away" has a core meaning, consider the slight differences between synonyms. Does the clue imply a natural process (like tides), or something being used up (like supplies)? This can help distinguish between similar words.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: The most powerful tool in your arsenal. Don't force an answer if it doesn't fit the existing letters. Let the intersecting words guide you to the correct solution for "drain away."
- Think Beyond the Literal: Crossword clues often use figurative language. "Drain away" might not always literally mean water; it could imply something abstract like energy or enthusiasm diminishing.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'drain away' a common crossword clue?
'Drain away' is a versatile phrase with multiple synonyms (like ebb, recede, deplete) that vary in length, making it ideal for crossword setters to fit into different puzzle grids. Its common usage also makes it easily recognizable to solvers, yet challenging enough due to the variety of possible answers.
What kind of answers typically fit 'drain away' in crosswords?
Answers for 'drain away' usually relate to concepts of diminishing, receding, lessening, or emptying. Common themes include water levels (ebb, recede), resources (deplete), or general disappearance. Always consider the letter count and surrounding letters in the grid to narrow down the options.
How can I quickly find synonyms for 'drain away' when stuck on a crossword?
When stuck, first think of direct synonyms that mean 'to lessen' or 'to disappear.' If that doesn't work, consider phrases that imply draining, like 'run dry' or 'fade out.' Online crossword solvers or a good thesaurus can also be invaluable tools. Pay close attention to the number of letters required for the answer.