expire crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! If you're looking for answers to the clue "expire", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the nuances of each answer.
Solutions for "expire crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DIE: To stop living or functioning; to come to an end.
END: To come to a finish; to conclude.
4 Letters
FADE: To gradually grow faint and disappear, often over time.
5 Letters
LAPSE: To become invalid or void because a period of time has passed, or to come to an end.
CEASE: To come to an end; to stop doing something.
6 Letters
PERISH: To die, especially in a violent or sudden way, or to suffer complete destruction.
DEMISE: A person's death; or the end or failure of an enterprise or institution.
WITHER: To become dry and shriveled; to decay; to decline or fade away.
9 Letters
TERMINATE: To bring to an end or stop; to conclude.
More About "expire crossword clue"
The clue "expire" is a versatile one in the world of crosswords, often testing a solver's knowledge of synonyms and nuances of meaning. While its most literal interpretation refers to the end of life, it also commonly appears in contexts related to documents (like a passport or a contract), time periods, or even emotions and trends. Understanding these multiple facets is key to identifying the correct answer.
Crossword setters love words with various applications. 'Expire' can lead to answers ranging from concise three-letter words like DIE or END, to longer, more formal terms such as TERMINATE or PERISH. The exact answer often depends on the specific crossword grid, the number of letters required, and any intersecting words that provide additional clues. Always consider the surrounding clues and the overall theme of the puzzle when you encounter this word.
Our goal is to provide not just the answer, but the insight behind it, empowering you to solve more puzzles independently. By understanding why a particular word fits, you'll build your crossword-solving vocabulary and intuition, making future puzzles even more enjoyable.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: Don't just think of 'expire' as dying. Remember its uses related to time limits (e.g., contracts, warranties) or even figurative fading (e.g., 'a joke can expire').
- Check intersecting letters: The most crucial tip for any crossword. If you have a few letters from crossing words, they will drastically narrow down the possibilities for 'expire' and confirm the correct length.
- Think about formality: Some crosswords lean more towards formal language, while others might use more colloquial terms. 'Terminate' is more formal than 'end,' for example. This can guide your choice.
- Look for context clues: Sometimes the clue itself might hint at the specific meaning. Is it phrased with a dash of drama or is it purely factual? This can suggest whether the answer is 'perish' or 'lapse.'
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'expire' commonly mean in crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, 'expire' typically refers to something coming to an end, finishing, dying, or becoming void. Common synonyms include words like END, DIE, LAPSE, CEASE, and PERISH, depending on the number of letters and the specific context of the puzzle.
Why are there so many different answers for 'expire'?
The English language is rich with synonyms, and 'expire' can imply various forms of ending: the end of life (die, perish, demise), the end of a period (lapse), the end of a process (cease, terminate), or a gradual fading (wither, fade). Crossword setters use this linguistic diversity to create varied clues and challenges, requiring solvers to consider context and letter count.
Are 'expire' clues always about death?
No, not always. While 'expire' can mean to die (e.g., 'to breathe one's last'), it is also widely used to mean 'to come to an end' or 'to become invalid.' For instance, a passport or a contract can 'expire' without any reference to death. Crossword clues often play on these multiple meanings, so consider all possibilities based on the other intersecting words.