wails crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "wails crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you through your puzzle.
Solutions for "wails crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SOBS: To cry noisily, taking sudden, convulsive breaths.
5 Letters
CRIES: To shed tears, typically as an expression of distress, pain, or sorrow.
KEENS: To wail in grief for a dead person; to lament mournfully.
6 Letters
MOURNS: To feel or show deep sorrow or grief.
More About "wails crossword clue"
"Wails" in a crossword puzzle often points to words associated with expressing intense emotion, particularly sorrow or distress, through vocal sounds. The term itself evokes a prolonged, high-pitched cry, which can be human or even non-human, such as the wail of a siren or the wind. Crossword constructors love this type of clue because it has several strong synonyms of varying lengths, making it versatile for different grid layouts.
Understanding the nuances of similar words like 'sobs', 'cries', 'keens', and 'mourns' is crucial. While 'cries' is a general term for shedding tears, 'sobs' implies a more broken, gasping sound. 'Keens' is very specific to a mournful wail, often for the dead, carrying a cultural significance in some contexts. 'Mourns' broadens the scope to the general act of showing grief, which can include wailing as a component.
When you encounter 'wails' as a clue, consider the context of the puzzle, especially any theme, and look closely at the number of letters and any intersecting letters you may already have. This will help you narrow down the best fit among the common answers like SOBS, CRIES, KEENS, or MOURNS, all of which capture different facets of the 'wailing' concept.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "wails," think about the specific type of sound or emotion implied. Is it a quiet cry (sobs) or a loud, sustained one (keens)?
- Consider Letter Count First: Always prioritize the required number of letters. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and narrows your focus.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These are your most powerful hints for confirming or ruling out potential answers.
- Think Beyond Human Emotion: While "wails" most often refers to people, remember it can also apply to sounds made by inanimate objects like sirens or the wind, though less common in this specific context.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'wail' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'wail' typically refers to a prolonged, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger. It can also imply a mournful sound, like that of the wind. Clues might hint at crying, lamenting, or even a siren's sound.
How can I distinguish between 'sobs' and 'cries' for 'wails'?
While both 'sobs' and 'cries' are related to 'wails', 'sobs' often implies a more broken, convulsive type of crying with gasps, while 'cries' is a broader term for shedding tears. 'Wails' is usually more sustained and vocal. The letter count or crossing letters will be your main guide in the puzzle.
Are there other synonyms for 'wails' that often appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms that appear in crosswords for 'wails' include 'Laments', 'Moans', 'Groans', 'Keens', and 'Bawls'. The specific answer will always depend on the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you've already filled in.