ransack crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "ransack," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct word.
Solutions for "ransack crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SACK: To thoroughly search and steal from a place, often violently.
LOOT: To steal goods from a place, typically during a riot or war.
5 Letters
RIFLE: To search through something thoroughly, especially in order to steal.
SCOUR: To search a place thoroughly in order to find something or someone.
7 Letters
RUMMAGE: To search unsystematically and untidily through a mass or collection of things.
PLUNDER: To steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder.
DESPOIL: To steal or violently remove valuable or attractive possessions from.
More About "ransack crossword clue"
"Ransack" is a vibrant verb that paints a clear picture of a disorderly and often destructive search, usually with the intent of theft. In crosswords, clues like "ransack" are popular because they allow for a range of synonyms that vary slightly in nuance but fit the general theme of searching or taking by force. Understanding these subtle differences can often be the key to cracking the puzzle.
The term carries connotations of urgency and lack of care, as seen in phrases like "the burglars ransacked the house." Crossword setters often play on these connotations, using synonyms that highlight either the 'searching' aspect (like RUMMAGE or SCOUR) or the 'stealing' aspect (like LOOT or PLUNDER). Paying attention to the context provided by other filled-in letters is crucial.
Historically, the word has roots in Old Norse, linking it to the act of "house-searching" (from 'rann' meaning house and 'saka' meaning to search). This origin underscores the thoroughness, even if disorderly, of the action it describes.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Length: Always check the number of letters required. For "ransack," short answers like SACK or LOOT are common, but longer ones like RUMMAGE or PLUNDER are also frequent.
- Look for Synonyms: Think broadly about words that mean 'to search thoroughly' or 'to steal violently'. Sometimes, a less common synonym is the correct answer.
- Check Surrounding Clues: The intersecting words are your best friends. Even one or two confirmed letters can significantly narrow down the possibilities for "ransack."
- Think About Nuance: Does the clue imply a quick search (RAID) or a thorough, destructive one (PILLAGE)? Sometimes the specific tone of the clue hints at a particular synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for 'ransack' in crosswords?
Answers like SACK, LOOT, and RIFLE are very common for 'ransack' due to their concise length and direct synonymy. The context of surrounding letters usually helps narrow it down.
How does 'ransack' differ from 'pillage' or 'despoil'?
While similar, 'ransack' often implies a thorough, disorderly search with the intent to steal. 'Pillage' specifically refers to stealing goods, especially during war or conflict. 'Despoil' focuses on stripping a place of its value or beauty, often through destructive means. In crosswords, they are often interchangeable, but subtle differences can be key depending on the clue's nuance.
Can 'rummage' be an answer for 'ransack'?
Yes, 'rummage' can certainly be an answer for 'ransack'. While 'rummage' emphasizes the disorderly search aspect more than the stealing, the act of searching through something unsystematically with intent to find (and potentially take) makes it a valid synonym in many crossword contexts.