eaten away crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the "eaten away crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you through your puzzle.
Solutions for "eaten away crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ATE: Simple past tense of 'eat', implying something has been consumed.
6 Letters
ERODED: Worn away gradually by natural agents like water, wind, or ice.
GNAWED: Chewed on persistently, causing wear or reduction.
7 Letters
RAVAGED: Severely damaged or devastated, often implying a destructive force has 'eaten away' at something.
8 Letters
CONSUMED: Completely used up or destroyed.
8 Letters
CORRODED: Gradually damaged or destroyed by chemical action, such as rust on metal.
More About "eaten away crossword clue"
The clue "eaten away" is a versatile one in the world of crosswords, often appearing in various forms to challenge solvers. It can refer to a literal act of consumption, but more frequently, it alludes to processes of decay, wear, or destruction over time. This makes it a fascinating clue, as the answer can range from simple actions to complex scientific processes.
Understanding the nuances of "eaten away" requires considering the context of the puzzle. Is it a clue about nature, chemistry, or perhaps even a metaphorical 'eating away' at one's savings or resolve? Common solutions like ERODED point to geological or natural wear, while CORRODED suggests a chemical reaction. Meanwhile, GNAWED or ATE are more direct interpretations involving living organisms. The beauty of such a clue lies in its ability to force solvers to think broadly about synonyms for gradual depletion or destruction.
The key to tackling this clue effectively is to first check the number of letters. This immediately narrows down the possibilities. Then, consider any linking clues or the overall theme of the crossword to pinpoint whether the answer requires a biological, environmental, or chemical interpretation. With these strategies, "eaten away" can transform from a puzzling challenge into a satisfying solve.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always start by counting the available spaces. This is the single most effective way to eliminate incorrect answers, especially for clues like "eaten away" which have multiple possible solutions.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think broadly about words that mean 'eaten away' or its opposite. Sometimes, a clue might subtly hint at a less obvious synonym or even a word related to prevention of being eaten away.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Pay attention to other clues that intersect with 'eaten away'. If an intersecting word is related to 'metal' or 'rock', it heavily favors answers like CORRODED or ERODED, respectively.
- Ponder Homophones and Puns: While less common for straightforward definitions, some crossword constructors use wordplay. Keep an open mind to how "eaten away" might sound like or subtly refer to another phrase.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'eaten away' typically mean in crosswords?
'Eaten away' in crosswords typically refers to processes of gradual reduction, destruction, or decay. This can be literal consumption, or metaphorical processes like erosion (e.g., ERODED), chemical breakdown (e.g., CORRODED), or even the slow wearing down of something.
Are there different lengths of answers for 'eaten away'?
Yes, answers for 'eaten away' can vary significantly in length. You might find very short answers like ATE (3 letters) for direct consumption, to medium-length words like GNAWED (6 letters) or ERODED (6 letters), and even longer ones like CORRODED (9 letters). Always check the number of blank squares in your puzzle.
How can I distinguish between similar 'eaten away' clues?
To distinguish between similar 'eaten away' clues, pay close attention to contextual hints in the clue itself or surrounding clues. Words like 'by acid' might point to CORRODED, 'by rodents' to GNAWED, or 'by water' to ERODED. The puzzle's theme or the overall tone can also provide valuable clues.