dregs crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "dregs" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "dregs crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LEES: The sediment that settles at the bottom of wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages during fermentation or storage.
7 Letters
RESIDUE: A small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been removed.
REMAINS: The parts left over after other parts have been removed, used, or destroyed.
GROUNDS: Solid residue, especially from coffee or tea, that settles at the bottom of a cup or pot.
8 Letters
SEDIMENT: Particulate matter that settles at the bottom of a liquid.
More About "dregs crossword puzzle clue"
"Dregs" is a fascinating word that finds its way into crosswords frequently due to its versatile meanings, both literal and metaphorical. Literally, it refers to the undesirable remnants at the bottom of a liquid, such as wine or coffee. This is why answers like LEES, GROUNDS, and SEDIMENT are highly common. These terms precisely describe the leftover particles that sink.
Beyond the literal, "dregs" can also refer to the most worthless part of something, or the lowest social class, as in "the dregs of society." This broader interpretation allows crossword setters to use the clue in more abstract contexts, leading to answers like REMAINS or RESIDUE, which describe any leftover or remnant, regardless of its form. Understanding both the concrete and abstract meanings is key to solving clues related to "dregs."
When you encounter "dregs" in a puzzle, consider the context of other clues and the number of letters. Is the puzzle leaning towards a culinary theme, or is it more general? This can often guide you to the correct, nuanced answer among the many possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Context: For clues like "dregs," think about what kind of "dregs" the puzzle might be referring to. Is it wine dregs (LEES), coffee dregs (GROUNDS), or a more general sense of what's left over (RESIDUE, REMAINS)?
- Consider Letter Count First: Always match your potential answers to the given letter count. If you have "dregs" for 4 letters, LEES is a strong candidate, ruling out longer synonyms.
- Check Cross-References: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These can quickly confirm or eliminate potential answers, especially when multiple synonyms of varying lengths are possible.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: Sometimes, the exact word isn't needed, but a closely related synonym is. For "dregs," consider words that mean "leftovers," "sediment," "residue," or "remnants."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are "dregs" in a general sense?
In a general sense, "dregs" refers to the last remaining part of something, often considered the least desirable or valuable. This can apply to liquids, like the sediment at the bottom of a cup, or metaphorically to society or an experience, representing the lowest or worst part.
Why is "dregs" a common crossword clue?
The term "dregs" is popular in crosswords because it has several precise synonyms (like LEES, RESIDUE, SEDIMENT, GROUNDS) of varying lengths, allowing setters flexibility. It also lends itself to both literal and figurative interpretations, adding to its versatility as a clue.
How can I improve my vocabulary for clues like "dregs"?
To improve your vocabulary for such clues, regularly read widely, use a thesaurus to explore synonyms and antonyms, and pay attention to context when you encounter new words. Practicing crosswords consistently also helps you recognize common clue patterns and answers.