wail crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "wail" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck quickly.
Solutions for "wail crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CRY: To make a loud, inarticulate sound, often expressing distress or grief.
4 Letters
KEEN: To wail in grief for a dead person, a traditional form of lamentation.
HOWL: A prolonged, mournful cry, like that of a dog or wolf.
6 Letters
LAMENT: A passionate expression of grief or sorrow, often in song or poem.
BEWAIL: To express great regret, disappointment, or bitterness over something.
More About "wail crossword clue"
The word "wail" is a common entry in crossword puzzles, often used to test your knowledge of synonyms related to expressions of sorrow, pain, or loud, mournful sounds. While its primary meaning is a prolonged, high-pitched cry of distress, it can also refer to a lamentation or mourning, particularly in traditional contexts.
Crossword setters frequently employ "wail" as a clue to elicit answers like CRY, LAMENT, KEEN, or MOURN. The specific answer usually depends on the number of letters required and the surrounding context of the puzzle. Understanding these nuances can help you anticipate the expected solution.
Beyond human expressions, "wail" can also describe the sound made by certain animals (like a wolf's howl) or even inanimate objects (like the wail of a siren). This versatility means you should always consider the broader semantic field when encountering this clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: For a clue like "wail," immediately check the number of blank spaces. This is the fastest way to narrow down options among synonyms like CRY (3 letters), KEEN (4 letters), or LAMENT (6 letters).
- Brainstorm Synonyms: Think of all possible words that mean "wail" – cry, sob, moan, keen, lament, mourn, howl, bawl, yowl. Write them down and see which ones fit the available letter count.
- Consider Context: Are there any other clues that hint at a specific type of wail (e.g., "mournful wail," "baby's wail")? Sometimes the surrounding puzzle elements provide crucial context.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting clues to confirm or rule out potential answers. This is a fundamental crossword strategy.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "wail" typically mean in crosswords?
"Wail" in crosswords almost always refers to a loud, prolonged cry, often expressing grief, pain, or distress. Common synonyms include lament, keen, sob, or cry.
Are there common synonyms for "wail" used in puzzles?
Yes, popular synonyms include CRY, SOBS, KEEN, MOURN, LAMENT, BEWAIL, HOWL, and BAWL, depending on the letter count and specific nuance required by the clue.
How can I find answers to difficult crossword clues like "wail"?
Beyond checking the letter count and thinking of synonyms, consider the puzzle's theme, look at intersecting letters for hints, or use online resources like Answercrossword.com when you're truly stuck.