crossword clue sully – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "sully," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue sully" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MAR: To damage or spoil the perfection of something; disfigure.
5 Letters
TAINT: To contaminate or corrupt; to spoil something.
STAIN: To mark with a discoloration; to damage one's reputation.
6 Letters
SMIRCH: To dirty or stain (something); to discredit.
DEFILE: To make foul, dirty, or unclean; to pollute.
7 Letters
CORRUPT: To cause to become morally depraved; to make impure.
BLEMISH: To spoil the appearance of something; a slight mark or flaw.
TARFISH: To make dirty or discolored (less common, but sometimes used).
8 Letters
BESMIRCH: To damage the reputation of someone or something; to make dirty.
More About "crossword clue sully"
The word "sully" implies causing damage to the purity, integrity, or reputation of something or someone. It often appears in crosswords due to its versatile range of synonyms, which can refer to both literal physical defilement and metaphorical moral or reputational harm. Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer when faced with this clue.
Crossword constructors love words like "sully" because they allow for varied clueing. You might see "sully" clued as "tarnish," "dirty," "defile," "corrupt," or "blemish." The specific context provided by the crossword clue itself, coupled with the number of letters, will guide you to the precise solution among its many close relatives.
Whether it's a pristine white shirt or an impeccable reputation, to 'sully' means to introduce an imperfection. Keeping this core meaning in mind will help you identify the best fit for your puzzle, ensuring your grid remains clean, unlike the subject of the clue!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the exact number of letters needed for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for words like "sully" that have multiple synonyms.
- Consider Nuance and Context: Pay attention to the specific wording of the clue. Does it imply physical dirtiness, moral corruption, or reputational damage? This can help differentiate between similar-length synonyms.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by checking if its letters align with the solutions of intersecting clues. If it fits perfectly, you've likely found your word.
- Think of Common Crossword Synonyms: Over time, you'll notice certain words appear frequently as answers for common clues. For "sully," "MAR" and "TAINT" are very common short answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sully' mean in the context of a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'sully' typically refers to actions that tarnish, spoil, defile, or dirty something, often with a nuance of damaging reputation or purity. Common synonyms include mar, taint, defile, blemish, and besmirch.
How can I find the correct answer for 'sully' in a crossword puzzle?
To find the correct answer, consider the number of letters required and the surrounding crossing words. Look for synonyms of 'sully' that fit the given length, such as 'MAR' (3 letters), 'TAINT' (5 letters), or 'DEFILE' (6 letters). The specific context of the clue or other clues in the puzzle can also provide hints.
Are there common tricky clues related to 'sully'?
Yes, 'sully' can be tricky because it has several synonyms across different word lengths. Clues might focus on physical defilement ('dirty', 'stain') or reputational damage ('tarnish reputation', 'blemish image'). Always consider both literal and figurative meanings of the word.