smear crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all possible solutions for the crossword clue "smear crossword clue," meticulously organized by letter count. Whether you're looking for a quick dab or a deep besmirch, we've got you covered with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle!
Solutions for "smear crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DAB: To apply a small amount of a substance, often in a quick, light motion, creating a mark.
4 Letters
DAUB: To coat or cover something with a soft, sticky, or adhesive substance in a coarse or unskillful way, often leaving streaks or marks.
BLOT: A spot or mark, especially one of ink or dirt; also, to dry with absorbent material, which can cause smudging.
5 Letters
STAIN: A discoloration, especially one that is difficult to remove, or the act of marking something with such a discoloration.
SULLY: To damage the purity or integrity of; to defile or tarnish, often referring to a reputation or honor.
6 Letters
SMIRCH: To make something dirty or to bring discredit upon; to stain or tarnish, similar to sully.
7 Letters
ASPERSE: To attack the reputation or integrity of someone or something with false or misleading statements; to slander or malign.
8 Letters
BESMIRCH: To damage the reputation of someone or something in a way that makes them seem dirty or dishonorable; a stronger form of sully or smirch.
More About "smear crossword clue"
The clue "smear" in crossword puzzles is a fascinating one due to its versatility. It can evoke images of a physical mark, like a smudge on a window or a paint streak, leading to answers such as DAB, DAUB, BLOT, or STAIN. These answers typically relate to the act of applying a substance or the resulting unwanted mark.
However, "smear" also carries a strong figurative meaning, referring to damaging someone's reputation or character. This sense of the word opens up a whole different category of answers, including SULLY, SMIRCH, ASPERSE, and BESMIRCH. These are often associated with libel, slander, or attempts to discredit an individual or entity. Recognizing which context the puzzle constructor intends is key to solving this clue correctly.
Crossword setters love words like "smear" precisely because of their multiple interpretations. Always consider the surrounding clues and the number of letters to narrow down the possibilities. A three-letter answer is highly unlikely to be BESMIRCH, just as a nine-letter answer is unlikely to be DAB.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: For words like "smear," always think about both their literal and figurative meanings. Is it a physical action or a reputational attack?
- Check word length carefully: The number of letters is your most important hint. It immediately eliminates many possibilities and narrows down the field significantly.
- Look at intersecting letters: If you're stuck, try solving perpendicular clues. The letters that cross your "smear" answer will often confirm or deny your suspicions.
- Think of synonyms and antonyms: Sometimes, clues are designed to make you think of a synonym. For "smear," consider words like 'stain,' 'sully,' 'tarnish,' 'blot,' or even 'defame.'
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "smear" typically mean in crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, "smear" is a versatile clue. It can refer to a physical mark (like a smudge or stain), the act of applying a substance (such as paint or butter), or figuratively, to damage a reputation (as in a smear campaign or libel). The context of the clue and the number of letters often guide the solver to the correct meaning.
Why are there so many answers for "smear"?
The word "smear" has a rich semantic field, encompassing various actions, results, and implications, both literal and figurative. This allows crossword constructors to use it in many contexts, leading to a wide array of potential synonyms and related terms that can serve as answers, depending on the specific nuance desired.
How can I distinguish between similar "smear" answers like SULLY and STAIN?
To distinguish, consider the precise nuance and usage. 'SULLY' typically implies damaging purity, integrity, or reputation, whereas 'STAIN' usually refers to a physical mark or discoloration. If the clue has additional words, like 'reputation' or 'cloth,' they will provide the necessary context. Also, checking intersecting letters from other clues is crucial for confirmation.