crossword clue dry – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "dry," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently. Find explanations and related tips below.
Solutions for "crossword clue dry" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SEC: Often refers to 'vin sec,' or dry wine. A common short answer for 'dry' in crosswords.
4 Letters
ARID: Describes a region or climate that is extremely dry, often due to a lack of rainfall.
5 Letters
PARCH: To make something, especially land, very dry, often with heat or lack of water.
UNWET: Simply meaning not wet; free from moisture or liquid.
6 Letters
BARREN: Describing land that is infertile or unable to support vegetation due to dryness or poor quality.
7 Letters
PARCHED: An intensified form of 'parch,' meaning extremely dry, often used for land or a person's throat.
9 Letters
DESICCATE: A more scientific term meaning to remove the moisture from something, causing it to become completely dry.
THIRSTING: Being in need of a drink; very dry and desiring liquid.
More About "crossword clue dry"
The crossword clue "dry" is a versatile one, capable of many different interpretations depending on the puzzle's context. It can refer to a lack of moisture (e.g., arid land, parched throat), a type of humor (dry wit), or even a financial state (dry spell for money). Recognizing these different meanings is key to solving the clue.
Often, setters will add qualifiers to the clue, such as "dry, as land" or "dry humor," to narrow down the possibilities. However, sometimes the clue is simply "dry," requiring you to consider the surrounding letters in the grid and the puzzle's theme to determine the correct answer. Common answers range from short words like SEC to longer, more descriptive terms like DESICCATE or UNMOISTENED.
Keep an eye out for wordplay. "Dry" can also hint at actions that make something dry, like DEHYDRATE, or even a lack of liquid assets. Our comprehensive list above provides the most frequent and relevant solutions to help you get unstuck.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Length: Always check the number of letters required first. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "dry" from a vast array of synonyms.
- Think Contextually: If other clues in the puzzle relate to nature or finance, "dry" might take on a specific meaning like ARID or BARREN. If the puzzle has a humorous theme, WITTY might be the answer.
- Look for Homophones or Puns: While not direct homophones, crosswords often play on words. "Dry" could be part of an idiom or a phrase that has a different meaning when clued indirectly.
- Check Cross-Referenced Clues: Sometimes a clue will reference another clue in the puzzle (e.g., "See 17 Across for 'dry' answer"). This is a direct hint to link answers.
- Common Crosswordese: Certain words appear frequently in crosswords. SEC for dry (wine) is a classic example of "crosswordese" you should remember.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'dry' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'dry' in crosswords often include ARID, PARCHED, SEC (especially for wine), and sometimes even WITTY when referring to humor. The context of the puzzle is key.
How does the number of letters affect the answer for 'dry'?
The letter count is crucial. For a short answer, 'SEC' (3 letters) is common. For four letters, 'ARID' is popular. Longer answers might include 'PARCHED' (7 letters) or 'DESICCATE' (9 letters), depending on the specific nuance of 'dry' intended by the clue.
Can 'dry' refer to humor in a crossword clue?
Yes, 'dry' can certainly refer to humor, often leading to answers like 'WITTY' or 'SARCASM'. A 'dry wit' refers to a subtle, understated, or ironic sense of humor, which is a frequent play on words in crosswords.