ruined crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "ruined," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of potential answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and finish your puzzle with confidence.
Solutions for "ruined crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
MARRED: Impaired the appearance or quality of something; disfigured.
UNDONE: Not finished or completed, often implying a state of being brought to ruin.
BROKEN: Separated into pieces or rendered inoperative, thereby ruined.
7 Letters
SPOILED: Made unfit for use or enjoyment, often through decay or mishandling.
WRECKED: Completely destroyed or severely damaged, beyond repair in many contexts.
DAMAGED: Suffered physical harm or impairment, leading to a diminished state or functionality.
9 Letters
SHATTERED: Broken into many pieces, implying complete destruction and ruin.
More About "ruined crossword clue"
The term "ruined" in crosswords often refers to something that has been destroyed, damaged beyond repair, or rendered useless. It's a versatile clue that can encompass physical destruction, moral decay, or even the spoiling of plans or events. Crossword setters love to use synonyms that convey varying degrees of damage, from a mere blemish to total obliteration.
When encountering "ruined" as a clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a general knowledge clue? Does it lean towards a more literary or archaic sense of the word? Sometimes, the answer might be a verb in the past tense (like 'marred' or 'spoiled'), or an adjective describing a state (like 'broken'). The number of letters available is always your first hint, narrowing down the possibilities significantly.
Always think about the common phrases or idiomatic expressions associated with "ruined." For example, a "ruined" reputation versus a "ruined" building might lead to different sets of synonyms. Paying attention to these nuances will significantly improve your chances of solving the clue quickly and accurately.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Before anything else, always count the number of boxes in the grid for the answer. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and guides your search for synonyms.
- Consider Nuances of "Ruined": Think about the context. Is it "ruined" like a plan, a building, a meal, or a reputation? Each scenario might have specific synonyms that fit better.
- Check for Cross-References: If the clue is short, like "ruined," look at intersecting words. The letters from solved intersecting clues can reveal crucial letters for your 'ruined' answer.
- Brainstorm Synonyms & Antonyms: Jot down as many synonyms for "ruined" as you can think of. Sometimes, thinking of its opposite (e.g., "perfect," "fixed," "restored") can also spark an idea for the correct answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know the length of a crossword answer for 'ruined'?
The length of the answer is usually indicated by the number of blank squares in the crossword grid. For 'ruined', common answers vary from 4 letters (e.g., FOUL, if referring to a state) to 9 letters (e.g., SHATTERED), so checking the grid is key.
What's the difference between 'ruined' and 'damaged' in crosswords?
While similar, 'ruined' often implies a more complete and irreparable state of destruction or decay, leading to total loss of function or value. 'Damaged' suggests impairment but not necessarily complete destruction, implying it might still be fixable or partially functional. Crossword setters might use subtle distinctions, so context clues from surrounding words are vital.
Are there other common synonyms for 'ruined' in crosswords besides the ones listed?
Yes, other common synonyms for 'ruined' in crosswords can include: DESTROYED, RAVAGED, VITIATED, TRASHED, SPOILT (UK spelling), and sometimes even more evocative words depending on the setter's style. Always consider the nuance of the clue and the number of letters required.