shrivel up with age nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "shrivel up with age nyt crossword" and need a quick solution, you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers, detailed explanations, and helpful tips to master your next puzzle.
Solutions for "shrivel up with age nyt crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
WIZEN: To shrivel or wrinkle, especially from aging. This word perfectly captures the essence of losing vitality and becoming dry or creased over time.
6 Letters
WITHER: To become dry and shriveled, often with age or lack of moisture. While commonly applied to plants, it's also used to describe a person or thing losing vigor and freshness with time.
More About "shrivel up with age nyt crossword"
The phrase "shrivel up with age" is a classic crossword clue that targets words describing physical deterioration over time. Crossword constructors love this type of clue because it allows for a few distinct, yet related, answers that can vary in length and nuance. While both "WIZEN" and "WITHER" fit the description well, "WIZEN" specifically emphasizes the wrinkling or drying that comes with age, often applied to faces or skin.
Understanding the subtle differences between these words can be key to solving tricky puzzles. "WITHER" can imply a loss of vitality or moisture, like a plant, whereas "WIZEN" is almost exclusively about the effects of aging on a living being. Both are excellent examples of how crosswords test your vocabulary depth and ability to discern fine shades of meaning.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For clues like "shrivel up with age," think of direct synonyms (like 'decay,' 'fade') and also their opposites (like 'flourish,' 'grow') which might appear in other clues.
- Check crossing letters: If you're stuck between 'WIZEN' and 'WITHER,' look at the letters that intersect with your potential answer. The correct crossing letter will often confirm the word.
- Think about parts of speech: Is the clue looking for a verb, adjective, or noun? "Shrivel up" is a verb phrase, so the answer will likely be a verb form.
- Pay attention to context: While 'NYT' signals a potential for more sophisticated vocabulary, the core meaning of the clue remains paramount. Don't overthink the 'NYT' part unless it seems to be a themed puzzle.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'shrivel up with age' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'shrivel up with age' refers to the process of something becoming wrinkled, dried, or diminished due to the passage of time. Common answers often describe this physical transformation.
Are there other words similar to 'shrivel' that might appear for this clue?
Yes, synonyms like 'wilt,' 'crumple,' 'degenerate,' or 'atrophy' could also fit similar clues, depending on the letter count and other crossing letters. 'Wizen' and 'wither' are particularly strong fits.
How does the 'NYT' part of the clue affect the answer?
The 'NYT' (New York Times) typically indicates the crossword's source, often implying a higher standard of wordplay, a larger vocabulary, and sometimes more obscure or specific terms. While the core meaning of 'shrivel up with age' remains the same, NYT puzzles can lean into more precise or less common synonyms like 'WIZEN' that fit the overall puzzle's sophistication.