wail crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "wail crossword," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track. Find the perfect fit for your puzzle below!
Solutions for "wail crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CRY: A loud, inarticulate shout or scream expressing an intense emotion, often grief or pain.
SOB: To weep convulsively, typically with a catching of the breath.
4 Letters
BAWL: To weep or cry noisily and unrestrainedly.
KEEN: To wail in lamentation for the dead, often a traditional Irish practice.
MOAN: A prolonged low sound of pain, suffering, or sexual pleasure; to groan.
HOWL: To make a long, loud, mournful cry, characteristic of a dog or wolf; to make a similar sound of distress.
6 Letters
LAMENT: A passionate expression of grief or sorrow; to express regret or disappointment over something.
More About "wail crossword"
The term "wail" often appears in crosswords due to its rich array of synonyms and emotional connotations. Beyond the primary meaning of a mournful cry, it can extend to sounds of intense joy, anger, or even the non-human sounds of nature or machinery, like the wail of a siren or the wind. This versatility makes it a popular choice for clue setters, allowing for various answer lengths and creative interpretations.
Understanding the nuances of "wail" can significantly aid your crossword-solving process. Consider whether the clue hints at a specific type of wailing (e.g., a baby's wail, a banshee's wail, or a traditional lament like a 'keen'). Paying attention to the tone and any accompanying words in the clue can often lead you to the exact synonym the constructor intended.
From short answers like 'CRY' or 'SOB' to longer ones like 'LAMENT', the solutions for 'wail' typically evoke strong feelings or distinct sounds. Familiarizing yourself with these common crossword answers will not only help you with this particular clue but also build your vocabulary for future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always verify the number of letters required for the answer. This is your primary filter and immediately narrows down possibilities for clues like "wail" that have multiple synonyms.
- Consider Nuances: If an initial answer doesn't fit, think about the specific type of "wail" implied. Is it a sound of pain, grief, or perhaps even a mechanical sound? This can guide you to less common synonyms.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve clues in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your most valuable hints. If you have a few letters in place, try to fit the possible "wail" answers into the available spaces.
- Explore Synonyms Broadly: Beyond the obvious, consider related words or actions. Sometimes a clue might hint at an action that results in a wail (e.g., "to mourn").
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'wail' typically mean in a crossword clue context?
In crosswords, 'wail' usually refers to a loud, prolonged cry of distress, grief, or pain. Common synonyms include cry, sob, bawl, keen, moan, howl, or lament. The context of the puzzle might hint at a specific nuance, such as a mournful sound or a baby's cry.
Why might 'wail' have multiple answers of different lengths?
Like many common English words, 'wail' has several synonyms that fit different letter counts. Crossword constructors use this to their advantage, providing clues that can lead to various valid answers depending on the grid's constraints. Always check the number of letters required and any intersecting words to confirm the correct solution.
Are there any less common meanings of 'wail' used in crosswords?
While 'wail' most commonly means to cry out, it can also refer to the sound of a siren or the wind. In more obscure or cryptic crosswords, it might also refer to 'keen' as in a traditional lament for the dead, which is a specific type of wail. Always consider less literal or more archaic meanings if common synonyms don't fit.