attacks in the press crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "attacks in the press". Whether you're stuck or just verifying, we have the answers you need, categorized by letter count.
Solutions for "attacks in the press crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SLAM: To criticize harshly or vehemently, often in a public forum like the press.
6 Letters
ASSAIL: To make a concerted or violent attack on (a person or place), which can be verbally in the context of media.
8 Letters
DENOUNCE: To publicly declare someone or something to be wrong or evil, a common action taken by the press.
LAMBASTE: To criticize (someone or something) harshly, often used in the context of media reviews or reports.
More About "attacks in the press crossword clue"
The clue "attacks in the press" is a classic example of how crosswords use concise phrasing to hint at a specific type of action or situation. It's not referring to a physical assault, but rather to a verbal or written assault—a strong, negative critique or condemnation published in newspapers, magazines, or online news outlets. This kind of "attack" can take many forms, from scathing editorials and investigative reports exposing wrongdoing to harsh reviews of products, books, or performances.
Understanding this nuance is key to solving such clues. The 'press' element narrows down the field of 'attacks' to those delivered through media channels, often with the intent of discrediting, exposing, or strongly criticizing a person, policy, or entity. Common synonyms that pop up as crossword answers will revolve around themes of public censure, strong disapproval, or published condemnation.
Crossword setters love these clues because they test your ability to think beyond literal interpretations and dive into the idiomatic uses of language. Keeping a mental thesaurus of words related to criticism and media will greatly assist in cracking these types of puzzles quickly.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always consider the full context of the clue. "Attacks in the press" clearly points to media-related criticism, not physical violence. This specificity is often a major hint.
- Check Letter Count: After brainstorming potential answers, always verify that your word fits the required letter count. This is your primary filter for eliminating incorrect guesses.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: If an answer doesn't immediately come to mind, think of synonyms for 'attack' or 'criticize' in a media context. Sometimes, thinking of antonyms can also spark ideas (e.g., what's the opposite of praise in the press?).
- Use Intersecting Clues: The most reliable method is to use letters from intersecting clues. Even one correct letter can significantly narrow down the possibilities for a challenging answer.
- Consider the Publication: Different crossword publications (e.g., New York Times, The Guardian) sometimes have subtle stylistic differences or preferred vocabulary. While "attacks in the press" is fairly universal, some setters might lean towards more obscure or common synonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'attacks in the press' typically mean in a crossword?
In crosswords, 'attacks in the press' usually refers to strong verbal criticism, condemnation, or a harsh review published in newspapers or other media. Answers often relate to terms like 'slam', 'denounce', 'criticize', or 'lambaste'.
How can I identify the correct answer for clues like 'attacks in the press'?
To identify the correct answer, consider the number of letters required for the solution. Also, think about synonyms for 'attack' or 'criticize' that specifically relate to public or media condemnation. Checking intersecting letters from other clues is also crucial.
Are there common alternative interpretations for 'attacks in the press'?
While most often referring to verbal criticism, sometimes 'press' can refer to a physical action (like 'press attack' in sports) or even a literal device. However, in the context of 'attacks in the press' for general knowledge crosswords, verbal condemnation is the most frequent interpretation.