murder crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on "murder crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "murder crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
KILL: To deprive of life. This is a very common and direct synonym for murder often used in crosswords.
SLAY: To kill in a violent way; often used in a more literary or dramatic context. A great alternative if KILL doesn't fit.
5 Letters
CRIME: An unlawful act punishable by a state or other authority. Murder is, fundamentally, a serious crime.
8 Letters
HOMICIDE: The killing of one human being by another. This term is frequently used in legal and forensic contexts, making it a strong candidate for more formal clues.
11 Letters
ASSASSINATE: To murder (an important person) for political or religious reasons. This is a very specific type of murder, often appearing in clues that hint at political intrigue or public figures.
More About "murder crossword clue"
The clue "murder" in crosswords can be surprisingly versatile, leading to a variety of answers depending on the nuance the puzzle constructor intends. While direct synonyms like KILL and SLAY are frequent, understanding the broader implications of the word can unlock more complex solutions. For instance, considering the act of murder as a legal transgression can lead to answers like CRIME, while focusing on the perpetrator or victim might lead to other related terms.
Sometimes, the trick lies in thinking about specific types of murder, such as ASSASSINATE, which implies a political or targeted killing. Crossword constructors love to play on these subtle differences in meaning. Always consider the length of the required answer and any intersecting letters you already have, as these are your strongest clues in narrowing down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Pay attention to other words in the clue for "murder". Is it "Political murder"? "Literary murder"? This can guide you to more specific answers like ASSASSINATE or SLAY.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. If "KILL" doesn't fit, think about longer or shorter synonyms like CRIME or HOMICIDE.
- Look at Intersecting Words: The letters you already have from crossing words are invaluable. They can confirm or rule out potential answers for "murder".
- Consider Homophones/Puns: While less common for direct terms like "murder", sometimes a clue can be a pun. Always be open to clever wordplay if direct answers don't work.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'kill' and 'slay' as crossword answers for 'murder'?
'Kill' is a very direct and common synonym for 'murder'. 'Slay' also means to kill, but often implies a more violent, dramatic, or literary context, and might be used in clues looking for a more evocative word choice.
Why do crossword clues like 'murder' have multiple possible answers?
Many words in English have multiple synonyms or related concepts, and 'murder' is no exception. Depending on the specific nuances of the clue, the number of letters required, or intersecting letters, different answers like 'kill', 'slay', 'homicide', or 'assassinate' could fit. Crossword constructors often rely on these variations.
Are there other related words to 'murder' that might appear in crosswords?
Beyond direct synonyms, clues related to 'murder' might involve terms like 'crime', 'assault', 'fatal', 'victim', 'culprit', 'poison', or specific types of killing like 'manslaughter' or 'genocide', depending on the complexity and theme of the puzzle.