ostracism crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling a puzzle and landed on "ostracism crossword clue," you're in the right place. We provide all possible solutions based on letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "ostracism crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
EXILE: The state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons; banishment.
8 Letters
SHUNNING: The act of persistently avoiding, ignoring, or rejecting someone.
9 Letters
EXCLUSION: The process or state of excluding or being excluded.
10 Letters
BANISHMENT: The punishment of being sent away from a country or place.
More About "ostracism crossword clue"
Ostracism, at its core, refers to the act of excluding someone from a society or group. Historically, it was a formal procedure in ancient Athens where citizens could vote to banish a political figure for ten years. In modern usage and within the realm of crosswords, it often signifies social rejection, shunning, or exile. When this clue appears, solvers should immediately think of synonyms related to being cast out, isolated, or made an outcast.
Understanding the nuances of words like "ostracism" is key to mastering crosswords. While the primary meaning points to social banishment, various lengths of answers will require different synonyms, from shorter, more direct terms like "EXILE" to longer, more descriptive ones such as "BANISHMENT" or "EXCLUSION." The context of the puzzle might also hint at whether a physical removal or a social boycott is implied.
For crossword enthusiasts, recognizing the multiple facets of a word like 'ostracism' helps in decoding clues that might be metaphorical or literal. It's a classic crossword topic that tests one's vocabulary around themes of acceptance versus rejection, inclusion versus exclusion, and freedom versus confinement.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for synonyms and antonyms: Ostracism implies exclusion, so consider words like 'banishment,' 'exile,' or even their opposites if the clue hints at inclusion or acceptance.
- Check letter counts carefully: If you have a few letters already filled in, that can narrow down possibilities significantly. For 'ostracism,' answers like EXILE (5 letters) or EXCLUSION (9 letters) might fit depending on your grid.
- Consider the context: Is the puzzle themed? Does the clue use specific language that hints at a historical, social, or political context for ostracism? This can guide you to a more precise answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ostracism' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'ostracism' typically refers to social exclusion, banishment, or being cast out. Therefore, common answers are synonyms like 'EXILE,' 'SHUNNING,' or 'EXCLUSION.'
Are there common alternative clues for words like 'banishment'?
Yes, 'banishment' can be clued in many ways, including 'exile,' 'expulsion,' 'deportation,' 'sending away,' 'being sent out,' or 'forcing one to leave.'
How can I find crossword answers when I only have a few letters?
If you have some letters, try to brainstorm words that fit the clue and the known letters. Use online crossword solvers where you can input known letters and the total length. Also, consider common prefixes and suffixes, and words related to the clue's topic.