crosses out crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your go-to resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! Below, you'll find all possible solutions for the clue "crosses out crossword clue", organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzling skills.
Solutions for "crosses out crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
ERASES: To remove writing or marks, often with an eraser or by rubbing.
7 Letters
CANCELS: To mark something out, indicating removal or invalidation, often by drawing lines through it.
STRIKES: To draw a line through text to indicate removal, deletion, or to invalidate.
More About "crosses out crossword clue"
The clue "crosses out" is a classic example of an action verb clue in crosswords. It challenges solvers to think of synonyms for the act of removing, invalidating, or deleting something, typically by drawing a line through it. This type of clue often appears in various forms, such as 'deletes', 'strikes through', or 'blots out', all pointing to a similar family of answers.
Understanding the subtle differences between potential answers like ERASES, CANCELS, and STRIKES is key. While all imply removal, ERASES often suggests complete obliteration (like with a pencil eraser), CANCELS implies invalidation or nullification (like a stamp on a document), and STRIKES specifically refers to drawing a line over text. The precise context of the crossword puzzle, especially the intersecting words, will guide you to the correct solution.
Mastering these types of clues improves your vocabulary and your ability to discern subtle semantic distinctions, making you a more efficient crossword solver. Always consider the nuance of the verb and how it might be interpreted in a formal or informal context.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Verb Tense: Pay close attention to whether the clue's verb (e.g., 'crosses out' vs. 'crossed out') is present, past, or future tense, and ensure your answer matches.
- Consider Nuances: Think about the exact manner of "crossing out." Does it imply erasing, invalidating, or drawing a line through? Different words fit different nuances.
- Check Letter Count First: Before diving deep into synonyms, use the number of letters required for the answer to narrow down your options significantly.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The letters from crossing words are your best friends. They often quickly confirm or rule out potential answers for trickier clues like this one.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do crosswords use clues like 'crosses out'?
Clues like 'crosses out' are common in crosswords because they require solvers to think of synonyms for an action, often leading to multiple possible answers depending on the letter count. They test vocabulary and understanding of nuanced word meanings related to removal or invalidation.
What are common synonyms for 'crosses out' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'crosses out' used in crosswords include ERASES, DELETES, CANCELS, STRIKES, OBLITERATES, and VOIDS. The specific answer will depend on the required letter length and other crossing letters in the puzzle.
How can I improve my ability to solve action-verb clues in crosswords?
To improve your skill with action-verb clues, practice thinking of as many synonyms as possible for common verbs. Pay attention to the tense and number of the verb in the clue, as this often indicates the tense and number of the answer. Regularly solving puzzles will also broaden your mental thesaurus for such actions.