kills crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "kills crossword clue," you've come to the right place. This page provides a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "kills crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ENDS: Refers to bringing something to a conclusion or stopping it, as in "kills a project" or "kills time."
5 Letters
SLAYS: A common synonym for "kills," often used in a dramatic or powerful context, or to mean defeats thoroughly.
DOOMS: To ensure failure or destruction, as in "kills prospects" or "dooms a plan."
7 Letters
MURDERS: The direct and literal act of unlawfully killing another human being.
10 Letters
ERADICATES: To destroy completely, wipe out, or put an end to something entirely.
More About "kills crossword clue"
The clue "kills" in crosswords is fascinating due to its versatility. It can refer to literal termination, as in taking a life, but more often in puzzles, it's used figuratively. This is why you see a range of answers, from verbs of complete destruction to more subtle actions like ending a conversation or spending time.
Crossword constructors love words like "kills" because they allow for clever misdirection. A clue might hint at its literal meaning, only for the answer to be a common idiom or a less direct synonym. Understanding this dual nature of "kills" is crucial for solving puzzles effectively, as it forces solvers to consider all semantic possibilities before committing to an answer.
When encountering "kills" in a crossword, always consider the surrounding words in the clue and the letter count. This will help narrow down whether the constructor is aiming for a strong, direct synonym or a more nuanced, figurative interpretation of the word.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: For clues like "kills," always read the full clue carefully. Does it suggest a literal act (e.g., "Assassinate") or a figurative one (e.g., "Time consumer")?
- Check Letter Count: Shorter answers for "kills" (like ENDS or STOPS) often relate to figurative uses, while longer ones (like ERADICATES or ANNIHILATES) lean towards more definitive or literal meanings.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is "kills" used as a verb (e.g., "destroys") or a noun (e.g., "fatalities")? This will guide your answer type.
- Brainstorm Synonyms & Antonyms: Think of words that mean "kills" but also words that mean the opposite or words associated with actions that lead to an end.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "kills" have so many different crossword answers?
The word "kills" is highly versatile in English, carrying various meanings from literal termination to figurative cessation (e.g., "kills time," "kills a deal," "kills a show"). Crossword constructors leverage this versatility, offering clues that might refer to ending something, defeating an opponent, or even making a strong impression, leading to a wide range of synonyms based on context.
How can I distinguish between literal and figurative "kills" in clues?
Context is key! Look for surrounding words. Clues like "Eliminates entirely" or "Takes out" often point to a direct, physical sense. Phrases such as "Does away with time" or "Nixes a proposal" suggest a figurative meaning. Pay attention to the number of letters provided, as shorter answers often align with more common, figurative uses, while longer ones might be more specific.
Are there common word patterns associated with "kills" clues?
Yes, common patterns often involve action verbs. For shorter answers, words like ENDS, STOPS, NIXES, or SLAYS are frequent. For longer, more specific clues, you might see words like ANNIHILATES, EXTERMINATES, or ASSASSINATES. The specific dictionary or theme of the puzzle can also influence the type of answer expected, so always consider the puzzle's source and style.