dregs crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "dregs," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle solved quickly.
Solutions for "dregs crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LEES: The sediment or solid particles that settle at the bottom of liquids like wine or beer during fermentation or storage.
SCUM: A layer of impurities that forms on the surface of a liquid, or a derogatory term for contemptible people.
6 Letters
SLUDGE: Thick, soft, wet mud or a similar viscous mixture, often a byproduct or waste material.
7 Letters
RESIDUE: Whatever remains after a part is taken, disposed of, or dealt with; a remnant.
REMAINS: The parts left over after the rest have been removed, used, or destroyed; vestiges.
8 Letters
SEDIMENT: Solid material that settles to the bottom of a liquid, such as the gritty particles found in unfinished beverages.
More About "dregs crossword clue"
The clue "dregs" is a classic in crosswords due to its versatile meaning, encompassing both literal and figurative interpretations. Literally, dregs refer to the undesirable residue at the bottom of a liquid, whether it's the coffee grounds in your mug, the sediment in wine, or the murky waste in an industrial process. This physical remnant is what often leads to answers like LEES, SEDIMENT, or RESIDUE.
Figuratively, "dregs" takes on a more negative connotation, signifying the lowest, most worthless, or least desirable part of something. This can refer to the remnants of a once-great civilization, the final, most miserable stages of an event, or even the most unsavory members of society. This broader meaning allows for clues where answers like SCUM or SLUDGE might fit, depending on the puzzle's tone and the setter's intent.
Understanding this duality is key to cracking "dregs" clues. Always consider the word length and the overall theme of the crossword. Is it a culinary puzzle? Then LEES is highly likely. Is it a social commentary? SCUM might be the answer. The context is everything in solving this seemingly straightforward clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For clues like "dregs," think of both direct synonyms (lees, sediment) and what "dregs" implies (the lowest part, remnants), which can lead to other solutions.
- Check surrounding letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to narrow down the possibilities for "dregs." This is especially useful when multiple answers share the same letter count.
- Think about common crossword patterns: Some answers are crossword staples. "LEES" is a very common short answer for "dregs" or "wine sediment" in many puzzles. Recognizing these common patterns can save you time.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'dregs' generally mean?
Generally, 'dregs' refers to the last remaining part of something, especially the least desirable portion. It literally means the solid impurities that settle at the bottom of a liquid, such as coffee, wine, or tea. Metaphorically, it can refer to the lowest or most worthless part of anything, like the 'dregs of society'.
Are 'dregs' always considered negative?
While 'dregs' often carries a negative connotation, implying waste or the least desirable part, its literal meaning simply describes sediment. In some contexts, like the 'lees' in wine or beer, these sediments are a natural part of the fermentation process, even if they are discarded later. However, in common usage, particularly metaphorically, it almost always implies something undesirable or left over.
What other words are synonyms for 'dregs'?
Common synonyms for 'dregs' include lees, sediment, residue, scum, refuse, grounds, and even remnants or remains, depending on the context. Crossword clues often play on these various literal and figurative meanings to provide a challenge.