ruin crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all the possible solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "ruin crossword clue", helping you complete your puzzle with ease and accuracy.
Solutions for "ruin crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MAR: To spoil or damage something, often causing it to become less perfect or complete.
5 Letters
WRECK: To destroy or severely damage something, often causing its collapse or malfunction.
SPOIL: To diminish or destroy the value, quality, or enjoyment of something.
DECAY: To rot or decompose, leading to a state of gradual deterioration or ruin.
8 Letters
DEMOLISH: To completely destroy a building or other structure, often by tearing it down.
9 Letters
DEVASTATE: To cause severe and widespread damage or destruction to an area or a person's emotions.
10 Letters
ANNIHILATE: To destroy utterly; to obliterate, leaving nothing but ruin.
More About "ruin crossword clue"
The clue "ruin" is a versatile term in crosswords, often pointing to a wide array of synonyms related to destruction, damage, and deterioration. Depending on the context, 'ruin' can be a verb, indicating the act of causing destruction (e.g., WRECK, SPOIL, DEVASTATE), or a noun, referring to the state of being destroyed or dilapidated (e.g., DECAY, a physical ruin). Crossword setters love such words because they offer multiple angles for clues, testing a solver's vocabulary depth and ability to grasp nuances.
When encountering "ruin" in a puzzle, consider the number of letters required and any surrounding completed letters. Is the clue hinting at a slow, gradual process (like DECAY) or a swift, catastrophic event (like ANNIHILATE)? Pay attention to whether the clue uses "ruin" as a verb (e.g., "To ruin a plan") or a noun (e.g., "Ancient Roman ruin"). This distinction is key to pinpointing the correct answer among many possibilities.
Understanding the various shades of meaning for "ruin" can significantly boost your crossword solving prowess. From minor damage to complete obliteration, the word encompasses a spectrum of negative outcomes, making it a rich source for creative clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: Determine if "ruin" is used as a verb (e.g., "to spoil") or a noun (e.g., "a downfall" or "dilapidated remains"). This immediately narrows down the pool of potential answers.
- Check for Contextual Hints: Look at other completed answers or the puzzle's theme. Is it a historical puzzle? "Ruin" might refer to ancient sites. Is it about finance? It could mean financial collapse.
- Consider Letter Count and Common Crossword Patterns: If you have some letters filled in, try common prefixes (like DE-) or suffixes that fit the pattern of "ruin" synonyms. For example, many answers like DECAY, DEMOLISH, or DEVASTATE start with 'DE'.
- Think Beyond Literal Meanings: Crosswords often use figurative language. "Ruin" might not always mean physical destruction but could imply the ruin of a reputation or a plan.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a crossword answer if I only have a few letters?
If you have some letters, try using an online crossword solver that allows you to input known letters and question marks for unknowns. Also, consider common prefixes or suffixes related to the clue's meaning.
What does 'ruin' typically imply in crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, 'ruin' can imply destruction, damage, decay, financial collapse, or even a literal archaeological site. The context of surrounding clues often helps narrow down the precise meaning, whether it's a verb or a noun.
Are there different types of 'ruin' in crosswords, like verbs vs. nouns?
Yes, 'ruin' can be a verb (e.g., to destroy, spoil) or a noun (e.g., a state of disrepair, a dilapidated structure). Crossword setters often play on these dual meanings. For instance, 'bring to ruin' suggests a verb, while 'ancient ruin' points to a noun.