crossword clue malevolent – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling a puzzle and landed on "malevolent," you're in the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck quickly. Dive in to find your solution!
Solutions for "crossword clue malevolent" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EVIL: Morally bad, wicked, or harmful, often a direct and concise fit for 'malevolent'.
6 Letters
WICKED: Pertaining to evil or morally wrong actions, a common synonym for 'malevolent' in puzzles.
8 Letters
SINISTER: Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen, closely related to the feeling of malevolence.
9 Letters
MALICIOUS: Characterized by malice; intending or intended to do harm, a precise and frequently used answer for 'malevolent'.
More About "crossword clue malevolent"
'Malevolent' is a rich and evocative word, meaning wishing evil or harm to another. In crosswords, it's a popular clue because it has several strong, well-known synonyms that vary in length, making it versatile for setters. When you encounter this clue, think about the core concept of wishing ill or causing harm, and consider words that embody that dark intent.
Understanding the nuances of words like 'malevolent' can significantly boost your crossword-solving abilities. It's not just about knowing direct synonyms, but also recognizing words that convey a similar mood or intention. This clue often appears in puzzles that lean towards more advanced vocabulary, so having a good grasp of its related terms like 'evil', 'wicked', 'sinister', or 'malicious' is key.
Crossword setters love to play with synonyms, antonyms, and wordplay. For 'malevolent', they might clue it directly, or use phrases that hint at a hostile, ill-willed, or harmful nature. Always cross-reference with other solved clues to confirm letter counts and ensure your chosen answer fits the broader puzzle context.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: After understanding the clue, always check the number of letters required in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly, helping you choose between, say, a 4-letter EVIL and an 8-letter SINISTER.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For descriptive words like 'malevolent', brainstorm as many synonyms as possible. Sometimes, the clue might be an antonym, requiring you to think of words like 'benevolent' or 'kind' and then apply another layer of wordplay.
- Leverage Intersecting Clues: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. Use letters from intersecting answers you've already filled in. For instance, if you have an 'I' in the third position and a 'S' in the fifth, 'SINISTER' (8 letters) becomes a strong candidate for 'malevolent'.
- Keep a Crossword Dictionary Handy: For particularly challenging words or if you're stuck on a clue like 'malevolent' for an extended period, a specialized crossword dictionary or online solver can provide a list of potential answers by length.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'malevolent' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'malevolent' typically refers to something or someone having or showing a wish to do evil or cause harm to others. Common answers include direct synonyms like EVIL, WICKED, SINISTER, or MALICIOUS, depending on the required letter count.
How can I find the right length answer for 'malevolent'?
To determine the correct answer length, look at the number of blank squares provided in the crossword grid for that specific clue. Also, check for intersecting letters from other clues you've already solved, which will help narrow down the possibilities for words like EVIL (4 letters), WICKED (6 letters), or SINISTER (8 letters).
Are there common synonyms for 'malevolent' in crosswords?
Yes, 'malevolent' frequently leads to answers that are direct synonyms for 'evil' or 'harmful intention'. Some of the most common are EVIL, WICKED, SINISTER, MALICIOUS, and sometimes even BALEFUL or OMINOUS, depending on the setter's style and the required letter count.