sour crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "sour crossword puzzle clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "sour crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
OFF: Used to describe food that has gone bad or has a spoiled taste.
4 Letters
ACID: A chemical substance typically characterized by a sour taste.
TART: Having a sharp, sour, or acidic taste.
5 Letters
ACRID: Having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell.
6 Letters
BITTER: A sharp, pungent taste; often used interchangeably with sour in taste descriptions.
LEMONY: Resembling the taste or smell of a lemon, which is distinctly sour.
8 Letters
VINEGARY: Having a taste or smell like vinegar, which is very sour.
More About "sour crossword puzzle clue"
The word "sour" is a versatile term in crosswords, often hinting at various concepts beyond just a taste. It can refer to a sharp, tangy flavor, like that of lemons or vinegar. However, it also commonly describes a mood or disposition, such as being grumpy, irritable, or cynical. Furthermore, "sour" can indicate something that has gone bad or spoiled, like milk or a deal that turns unfavorable.
Crossword setters love using "sour" because its multiple meanings allow for clever clueing. They might use it to refer to a person's temperament, a financial outcome, or even a particular type of candy. Understanding these nuances is key to solving the clue, as a seemingly simple word can have deep and varied interpretations within the context of a puzzle.
When encountering "sour" in a clue, consider the other words in the clue for context. Is it about food? A person's attitude? A situation? This analysis will guide you to the correct answer among the many possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: As with "sour," many words have multiple dictionary definitions. Always think beyond the most common meaning for a word.
- Look at letter counts: If you have some letters filled in from intersecting words, use the required letter count to eliminate possibilities immediately.
- Think synonyms and antonyms: Crossword clues often rely on synonyms, antonyms, or related concepts. For "sour," think of things that are the opposite of sweet or pleasant.
- Pay attention to wordplay: Sometimes "sour" might be part of a pun or a phrase. Be open to literal and figurative interpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for "sour" in crosswords?
The word "sour" can describe a taste, a mood, or a state of decay, leading to a wide range of synonyms and related concepts that puzzle creators often use to form clues.
How can I distinguish between "sour" and "bitter" in crossword clues?
While often used interchangeably, "sour" generally refers to acidity (like lemon or vinegar), whereas "bitter" refers to a sharp, unpleasant taste (like coffee or dark chocolate). Context clues within the puzzle often help differentiate.
What are common themes for "sour" crossword clues?
Common themes for "sour" clues include tastes (e.g., tart, acidic), moods or dispositions (e.g., grumpy, morose, surly), and things that have gone bad or spoiled (e.g., off, rancid).