crossword clue detest – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "detest" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you.
Solutions for "crossword clue detest" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HATE: A very common synonym for 'detest', indicating strong dislike or aversion.
5 Letters
ABHOR: To regard with extreme loathing or disgust, often used in more formal contexts.
6 Letters
LOATHE: To feel intense dislike or disgust for something or someone, a very strong form of hatred.
7 Letters
DESPISE: To look down on with contempt or scorn; to regard as worthless or inferior.
More About "crossword clue detest"
The word "detest" signifies a strong feeling of dislike or abhorrence. In crosswords, clues like "detest" are a common way to test a solver's vocabulary depth, particularly their knowledge of synonyms. While the meaning is straightforward, the trick lies in identifying which synonym fits the specific letter count required by the puzzle.
Understanding the nuances between words like HATE, ABHOR, LOATHE, and DESPISE can be crucial. While all convey negative feelings, "abhor" often implies a moral revulsion, "loathe" suggests an intense physical or emotional aversion, and "despise" implies contempt or a sense of superiority over the object of dislike. These subtle differences might occasionally be hinted at in the clue's phrasing.
Crossword setters often use these synonyms interchangeably, making the letter count and intersecting letters your primary tools for finding the correct answer. Being familiar with a wide range of vocabulary for common concepts like "detest" will significantly boost your solving speed and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuance: Words like "detest" have many synonyms, but each carries a slightly different nuance. Think about the specific tone implied by the clue.
- Check Cross-References: Always use intersecting letters from other clues to narrow down the possibilities. If an answer doesn't fit, it's likely incorrect.
- Think about Word Length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. For "detest," knowing it's a 4-letter word points to HATE, while 6 letters points to LOATHE.
- Practice Synonyms: Clues like "detest" are vocabulary tests. Regularly expanding your synonym knowledge will greatly improve your solving speed.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for a single clue like "detest"?
Crossword clues, especially synonyms, often have multiple valid answers depending on the specific puzzle, its theme, and the number of letters required. Puzzlemakers choose the best fit for their grid to make the puzzle cohesive.
How can I quickly find the right synonym for a clue like "detest" in a crossword?
The most effective way is to use the given letter count and any letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. For example, if you have 'L_A_H_', you can deduce that 'LOATHE' is the correct answer.
Are there common patterns for "detest" clues in crosswords?
"Detest" often appears as a straightforward synonym clue. However, it can also be clued indirectly, e.g., "Feel aversion for" or "Can't stand." Always consider different parts of speech or idiomatic uses when solving.