reduce crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling a puzzle and the clue is "reduce crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck.
Solutions for "reduce crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CUT: To make something smaller or lessen its quantity, often by severing or stopping.
5 Letters
LOWER: To cause to descend or to reduce in degree, value, or amount, as in 'lower the price'.
ABATE: To become less intense or widespread, often referring to a storm or a feeling.
6 Letters
LESSEN: To make or become less; diminish in amount, degree, or intensity.
SHRINK: To become or make smaller in size or amount, often unexpectedly, like clothing.
7 Letters
CURTAIL: To reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on, like 'curtail spending'.
8 Letters
DECREASE: To make or become smaller or fewer in amount, extent, or size, a common synonym for 'reduce'.
DIMINISH: To make or become less, often implying a gradual reduction in size, importance, or power.
MINIMIZE: To reduce something, especially something undesirable, to the smallest possible amount or degree.
More About "reduce crossword clue"
The clue "reduce" is a very common and versatile term in crosswords, often leading to a wide array of answers depending on the context and the number of letters required. It can refer to making something physically smaller, lessening an amount or quantity, or bringing something to a lower state or condition. Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer.
Crossword setters love 'reduce' because it has so many synonyms. Think about the specific scenario the clue might imply. Is it reducing a sound (muffle), reducing a quantity (decrease), reducing power (weaken), or reducing something to a simpler form (simplify)? Paying attention to the surrounding words in the clue or any intersecting letters will significantly aid in pinpointing the precise solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of boxes in the grid. This is the single most important piece of information for 'reduce' clues, as it immediately eliminates many possibilities.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: If 'reduce' is the clue, think of all its synonyms. Also, sometimes clues are indirect, so consider words that are the opposite of an increase or expansion.
- Check Intersecting Words: The letters from intersecting words are your best friends. If you have a few letters, it becomes much easier to deduce the correct "reduce" synonym.
- Context is King: Is the clue about reducing a bill, reducing an army, or reducing the volume? The specific context can guide you to a more precise word, such as "CURTAIL" for expenses or "ABATE" for a nuisance.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'reduce' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'reduce' in crosswords often include words like 'cut,' 'lower,' 'lessen,' 'abate,' 'shrink,' 'decrease,' or 'diminish,' depending on the context and the number of letters required for the puzzle's grid.
How does the number of letters help solve a 'reduce' clue?
The number of letters is crucial as it significantly narrows down the possible solutions. For example, if the answer requires 3 letters, 'CUT' is a strong candidate, while for 8 letters, 'DECREASE' or 'DIMINISH' would be more appropriate options, fitting the specific length constraints.
Are there different types of 'reduce' clues?
Yes, 'reduce' can imply various actions in crosswords: making something physically smaller (e.g., 'shrink', 'diminish'), cutting back on an activity or expense (e.g., 'curtail', 'cut'), or bringing something to a lower level or intensity (e.g., 'lower', 'abate'). The surrounding words in the clue usually provide hints to the specific nuance.