lessened crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the crossword clue "lessened crossword puzzle clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. We provide clear answers and helpful explanations.
Solutions for "lessened crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
EASED: To make something less severe or burdensome; relieved.
5 Letters
WANED: To decrease in strength, intensity, or extent; to diminish gradually.
6 Letters
ABATED: To become less intense or widespread; to subside.
7 Letters
REDUCED: Made smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
8 Letters
SOFTENED: Made less harsh, severe, or intense; mollified.
9 Letters
MITIGATED: Made less severe, serious, or painful; alleviated.
More About "lessened crossword puzzle clue"
The concept of "lessened" is a common theme in crossword puzzles, often appearing in various forms such as "made smaller," "reduced intensity," or "eased pain." Clues related to 'lessened' frequently test your vocabulary of synonyms for reduction, decrease, or moderation. The challenge often lies in finding the exact word that fits the letter count and the specific nuance implied by the clue.
Words like EASED, ABATED, and MITIGATED are prime examples, each carrying a slightly different connotation of diminishing something. EASED suggests making something less difficult or painful, ABATED implies a decrease in intensity or severity, while MITIGATED is about making a problem less severe or serious. Recognizing these subtle differences is key to solving such clues effectively.
Paying attention to the tense and part of speech required by the clue is also vital. A clue asking for a past participle will require a word ending in -ED, while a present tense verb will demand a different form. Always cross-reference with surrounding letters and other solved parts of the puzzle to confirm your answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For words like "lessened," consider if the clue implies a gradual decrease (like WANED), a reduction in force (like ABATED), or an alleviation of pain (like EASED). The precise meaning can guide you to the correct synonym.
- Check Letter Counts: Always cross-reference your potential answer with the required letter count. Many synonyms for "lessened" exist, but only one will fit the given length in the grid.
- Confirm with Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm a crossword answer is to check if its letters fit perfectly into the intersecting words. If a letter creates an impossible word in another direction, your answer for "lessened" might be incorrect.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is the clue asking for a verb, adjective, or noun? "Lessened" itself is a past participle or an adjective. Ensure your answer matches the grammatical requirement of the clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to approach a "lessened" type clue?
Look for synonyms of "decreased," "reduced," "eased," or "diminished." Also consider the part of speech required by the clue and how it fits with surrounding letters.
Why do some clues have multiple answers of different lengths?
Crossword constructors often have flexibility with clue wording, and many words can fit a similar definition, leading to multiple valid solutions depending on the puzzle's specific grid and theme. Context from other solved clues is crucial.
How can I improve my vocabulary for such clues?
Reading widely, using a thesaurus, and actively trying to learn new synonyms and antonyms will significantly boost your ability to solve definition-based clues. Regular practice with crosswords also builds a strong mental lexicon.