slate crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "slate crossword" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "slate crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PAN: To criticize severely, often used in the context of reviewing a performance or product.
4 Letters
GREY: A color, often spelled 'gray', similar to the typical color of slate rock.
ROCK: A general term for a type of stone, of which slate is a metamorphic example.
6 Letters
TABLET: A traditional writing surface made of slate, used in schools before paper was common.
7 Letters
ROOFING: Referring to the material used for covering roofs, where slate tiles are a durable option.
8 Letters
SCHEDULE: To set or arrange a time for an event, as in 'to slate an event for next week'.
DENOUNCE: To publicly declare something to be wrong or evil; a strong form of criticism.
More About "slate crossword"
The word "slate" is a classic crossword conundrum due to its multiple, seemingly unrelated meanings. This versatility makes it a favorite for setters but a challenging one for solvers. Understanding these distinct definitions is key to cracking clues involving "slate." From its literal meaning as a fine-grained, metamorphic rock used in roofing and as a writing surface, to its figurative uses like harshly criticizing something or scheduling an event, "slate" demands careful consideration of the context provided by the rest of the clue or the pattern of letters already filled in.
Often, the clue might provide a subtle hint to guide you. For example, 'Criticize severely' points to 'PAN', while 'Dark grey stone' clearly indicates the rock. However, in more cryptic clues, you might need to deduce the intended meaning from the length of the answer and the letters you've already uncovered in the grid. This multi-faceted nature of "slate" perfectly exemplifies why crosswords are so engaging – they challenge not just your vocabulary, but your ability to think flexibly and associatively.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Does the clue for "slate" sound like it's talking about a physical object, an action, or a characteristic? This can immediately narrow down the possibilities.
- Check Surrounding Words: Sometimes, another word in the clue, even if it seems unrelated, can provide a critical hint. For instance, "Slate covering" would suggest roofing or tiles.
- Match Letter Count to Meanings: Keep a mental note of common answer lengths for each meaning. A short answer for 'slate' is often 'PAN', while a longer one might be 'SCHEDULE'.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Crosswords often reuse certain synonyms. For 'criticize', think 'PAN', 'LAM', 'RAIL', 'DENOUNCE'. For 'schedule', think 'PLAN', 'BOOK', 'LIST'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common meanings of "slate" in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'slate' frequently refers to its meanings as: a dark grey rock or color (e.g., ROCK, GREY), a writing tablet (e.g., TABLET), to criticize harshly (e.g., PAN, DENOUNCE), or to schedule/plan something (e.g., SCHEDULE).
How can the number of letters help with "slate" clues?
The letter count is crucial. For example, 3-letter answers often point to 'PAN' (criticize), 4-letter answers might be 'GREY' or 'ROCK', while longer answers like 6 letters could be 'TABLET', and 8 letters might suggest 'SCHEDULE' or 'DENOUNCE'.
Are there common tricks or pitfalls for "slate" crossword clues?
The main trick with 'slate' is its multiple, distinct meanings. Always consider the surrounding clue words or letters already filled in. The clue might give a hint like 'Slate (colour)' or 'Slate (criticise)' to narrow down the context. If not, consider all possible meanings based on the letter count.