sour crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "sour crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "sour crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ACID: Having a sharp, pungent taste; characteristic of acids.
TART: Having a sharp or acid taste, often pleasantly so.
GRIM: Suggesting something unpleasant or uninviting, as in a 'sour' expression.
GLUM: Looking or feeling dejected; 'sour' in mood or disposition.
5 Letters
ACERB: Having an acid or bitter taste; sharp and forthright (often used for tone or expression).
6 Letters
BITTER: Having a sharp, pungent taste; not sweet.
LEMONY: Resembling or characteristic of lemons in taste or smell, which are typically sour.
More About "sour crossword clue"
The word "sour" is a versatile term in English, and crossword constructors love to play on its various meanings. While its primary association is with taste – the sharp, tangy flavor of things like lemons, vinegar, or unripe fruit – it can also describe a mood or disposition. A "sour" person might be grumpy, ill-tempered, or morose. The term can even apply to things that have gone bad, like "sour milk," or to unfortunate circumstances, such as a "sour deal."
In crosswords, understanding the specific context is crucial. Does the clue hint at a taste, a personality trait, or a state of decay? Often, the number of letters will narrow down the possibilities significantly. For instance, if the clue is "lemon's taste," a 6-letter answer like LEMONY is highly probable. If it's "ill-tempered," a 4-letter answer like GRIM or GLUM might fit. Always consider the surrounding letters from other solved clues to confirm your guess.
This multi-faceted nature of "sour" makes it a favorite among puzzle creators, offering numerous opportunities for clever and sometimes tricky clues. By being aware of its different semantic layers, you can approach "sour" clues with greater confidence and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "sour," consider if the clue is pointing to taste, mood, or spoilage. "Taste like a lemon" is distinct from "ill-tempered" even if both lead to 'sour' answers.
- Check Letter Count First: Before thinking of answers, always note the required letter count. This immediately filters out many possibilities and guides your thought process.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't guess in isolation. The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by checking how it fits with letters from crossing words. If an intersecting letter doesn't match, your answer is likely incorrect.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For words like "sour," brainstorm direct synonyms (acid, tart) and also think if the clue is asking for an antonym or a related concept that isn't a direct synonym but implies "sourness" (e.g., related to frowns for a 'sour face').
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sour' typically imply in crossword clues?
'Sour' in crossword clues most often refers to a sharp, acidic taste (like lemon or vinegar). However, it can also describe a mood (like 'gloomy' or 'unhappy'), a spoiled state (like 'sour milk'), or a financial downturn (a 'sour deal'). The context of the surrounding clues is key.
Are there common synonyms for 'sour' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include ACID, TART, ACERB, BITTER, LEMONY for taste; and GRIM, GLUM, UNHAPPY, MOROSE for mood. Less common but possible are words related to spoilage or unpleasantness.
How do I handle clues with multiple possible 'sour' answers?
When multiple 'sour' answers fit, check the letter count first. Then, look at intersecting letters from other solved clues. Also, consider the specific nuance of the clue – does it imply taste, mood, or something else? Sometimes, the constructor might be hinting at a less common meaning.