reduces crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "reduces," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "reduces crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CUTS: Decreases, trims down, or makes smaller by cutting.
5 Letters
PARES: Trims off, especially to reduce something gradually or incrementally.
6 Letters
LOWERS: Makes less high, brings down, or decreases in amount or intensity.
ABATES: Becomes less intense or widespread, diminishes in force or value.
7 Letters
LESSENS: Makes less, diminishes, or reduces in amount, degree, or intensity.
SHRINKS: Becomes smaller in size or amount, often as a result of heat or moisture.
9 Letters
MINIMIZES: Reduces to the smallest possible amount or degree, makes something seem less important.
More About "reduces crossword clue"
"Reduces" is a versatile verb that frequently appears in crossword puzzles due to its many synonyms and contexts. It can refer to a decrease in quantity, size, intensity, or value. Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer when faced with this clue.
Crossword constructors love words like "reduces" because they allow for a wide range of answer lengths and can be clued in various ways. For instance, "reduces" might be clued as "cuts down," "lessens," "trims," "pares," or even more abstractly as "eases" or "alleviates," depending on the specific puzzle's theme or difficulty. Always consider the common usage and how it fits with other completed words in the grid.
When you encounter "reduces" in a puzzle, think about what is being reduced. Is it a sound (muffles), a price (discounts), a number (subtracts), or an effort (slacks off)? Each interpretation opens up a new set of possible solutions, making the clue challenging but solvable with careful thought and cross-referencing.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from crossing words. This is the most crucial step in narrowing down options for a common clue like "reduces."
- Consider the Clue's Nuance: Does "reduces" imply physical shrinking (SHRINKS), monetary decrease (DISCOUNTS), or something becoming less severe (ABATES)? The specific context often guides you to the precise answer.
- Think About Word Length: Our list provides answers by letter count. If you know the length of the required word, you can immediately eliminate many possibilities.
- Practice Synonyms: Building a strong vocabulary of synonyms, especially for common verbs and adjectives, will significantly improve your crossword-solving speed and accuracy.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find the correct 'reduces' answer if multiple options fit?
The best approach is to cross-reference with intersecting letters from other clues. Also, consider the specific nuance of 'reduces' in the context of the puzzle – is it about quantity, intensity, or size? This often hints at words like 'CUTS,' 'LESSENS,' or 'SHRINKS.'
Why do some crossword clues have so many possible answers?
Many English words are synonyms, especially for common actions like 'reducing.' Crossword constructors often exploit this to create challenging puzzles where the exact answer depends heavily on the intersecting words or a subtle nuance in the clue itself.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for words meaning 'reduces'?
While not always direct, words meaning 'reduces' might sometimes involve prefixes like 'de-' (e.g., 'decrease') or suffixes indicating a diminishing state. However, for a direct single word, common root words are more prevalent. Always consider the full word, not just parts.