defame crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "defame crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide your puzzle-solving journey.
Solutions for "defame crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
BELIE: To disguise or contradict; in the context of defame, to misrepresent or portray falsely, thus damaging reputation.
6 Letters
VILIFY: To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner; to spread negative information about someone.
MALIGN: To speak about (someone) in a spitefully critical manner; typically in a way that damages their reputation.
7 Letters
SLANDER: The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
TRADUCE: To speak badly of or tell lies about (someone) so as to damage their reputation.
8 Letters
BESMIRCH: To damage the reputation of (someone or something) in the eyes of others, often by soiling or staining a good name.
9 Letters
DISCREDIT: To harm the good reputation of (someone or something); to cause to be doubted.
More About "defame crossword clue"
"Defame" is a popular term in crosswords due to its rich array of synonyms and related concepts. It refers to the act of harming someone's reputation, typically through false statements. This can manifest in various forms, such as slander (spoken falsehoods) or libel (written falsehoods), both of which are common answers or related clues in puzzles. Understanding the nuances of these terms can significantly improve your chances of solving related clues.
When you encounter a clue like "defame," the crossword constructor is often looking for a synonym that fits the specific letter count or intersects with other words. Words like VILIFY, MALIGN, and SLANDER are frequent contenders. The key to solving these lies in your vocabulary range and ability to consider words with slightly different connotations that still fit the core meaning of damaging reputation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Contextual Clues: Pay close attention to the context of the clue. Does it hint at a legal term (like libel/slander), a general act of criticism, or something more personal? This can help you differentiate between closely related synonyms.
- Check Letter Count First: Before racking your brain for synonyms, always check the number of letters required. This immediately narrows down your options significantly, making it easier to recall the exact word needed.
- Use Intersecting Letters: The most powerful tool in your crossword arsenal is the intersecting words. Even if you're unsure of "defame," filling in a few crossing letters can reveal patterns or provide the crucial first or last letter of the word you're looking for.
- Consider Prefix/Suffix Clues: Sometimes the clue might hint at a word with a specific prefix or suffix that implies "defame," such as "discredit." Be open to words that are derivations of simpler terms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between libel and slander when solving crosswords?
While both libel and slander fall under the umbrella of 'defamation,' in a crossword context, 'libel' typically refers to written defamation, and 'slander' refers to spoken defamation. Understanding this distinction can help you pick the correct word based on other clue hints or intersecting letters.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple possible answers?
Many words in the English language have multiple synonyms, and 'defame' is a prime example. Crossword constructors often choose clues that allow for flexibility, relying on the solver to use intersecting words and given letter counts to narrow down the exact answer intended for that specific puzzle.
How can I quickly find synonyms for 'defame' in a crossword puzzle?
Beyond common synonyms like VILIFY or MALIGN, think about related concepts such as discrediting, slandering, or disparaging. Also, consider different parts of speech—is the clue asking for a verb, noun, or adjective? This can guide your word choice effectively.