blacken crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all the possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "blacken crossword clue", ensuring you can complete your puzzle with ease. We cover answers of all lengths and provide context to help you understand the nuances of each solution.
Solutions for "blacken crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CHAR: To make black or dark by burning or exposure to fire.
5 Letters
STAIN: To mark or discolor, often with a dark pigment, or to make dirty.
SULLY: To damage the purity or integrity of; defile or tarnish, often by leaving a mark.
6 Letters
DARKEN: To make or become dark; to obscure or dim.
SMUDGE: To smear or mark with a dirty or dark streak.
7 Letters
TARNISH: To lose or cause to lose lustre, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture, often forming a dark coating.
8 Letters
DISCOLOR: To spoil the color of, often by darkening or fading.
More About "blacken crossword clue"
The clue "blacken" in crosswords can refer to a variety of processes or outcomes, making it a versatile and sometimes tricky clue. It often relates to physical changes like burning (char), discoloration (stain, tarnish), or simply making something darker (darken). Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms is key to selecting the correct answer, especially when similar-length words are available.
Sometimes, "blacken" might also imply a figurative meaning, such as to "blacken someone's name" or reputation, which could lead to answers like SULLY or SMIRCH. Crossword setters love to play on these double meanings. Always consider the context provided by other solved letters and intersecting words to narrow down the possibilities and confirm your choice.
Our comprehensive list of answers, categorized by letter count, helps you quickly find the most probable solutions, whether you're looking for a short four-letter word or a longer, more descriptive term. Each entry is accompanied by a concise explanation to clarify its relevance to the clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always double-check the number of boxes in the grid before looking for an answer. This immediately filters out many incorrect possibilities for "blacken."
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "blacken," think of direct synonyms (char, stain) but also consider if the puzzle setter is looking for an antonym with a negative prefix (e.g., something that removes blackness, though less common for this specific clue).
- Look at Neighboring Clues: Sometimes, the theme of a puzzle or related clues can hint at the specific context of "blacken" (e.g., if it's a cooking-themed puzzle, CHAR might be more likely).
- Use a Crossword Solver with Letter Patterns: If you have a few letters, input them into an online solver along with the clue. This can quickly narrow down the options.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'blacken' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'blacken' that frequently appear in crosswords include CHAR, STAIN, DARKEN, SMUDGE, TARNISH, SOOT, and GRIME. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and the surrounding clues.
How can I distinguish between similar 'blacken' clues like 'tarnish' vs. 'char'?
Distinguishing between similar 'blacken' clues often comes down to the nuance of the clue and the letter count. 'Char' implies burning or scorching. 'Tarnish' suggests a loss of shine, typically on metal. 'Stain' refers to a persistent mark. Pay close attention to any additional words in the clue that hint at the specific method or context of blackening.
Are there any idioms or phrases related to 'blacken' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, crosswords sometimes use idiomatic expressions. For 'blacken', you might encounter clues leading to phrases like 'BLACKEN ONE'S REPUTATION' or 'BLACK MARK'. These require you to think beyond a single word synonym and consider the broader meaning or common phrases.