wailing crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "wailing crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Explore explanations and tips below.
Solutions for "wailing crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CRIES: A common and direct synonym for vocal expressions of distress or sorrow, often fitting for 'wailing'.
6 Letters
LAMENT: To express passionate grief or sorrow, which often involves wailing. Can be a verb or a noun.
MOANED: Past tense of moan, a low mournful sound, can be a subtle form of wailing.
HOWLED: To make a long, loud cry, as of an animal; can refer to a human wail of pain or grief.
7 Letters
SOBBING: The act of crying noisily and uncontrollably, often accompanied by gasps, which is a form of wailing.
KEENING: To wail in grief for a dead person, a traditional form of mournful lamentation.
8 Letters
MOURNING: The expression of deep sorrow for someone's death, often involving weeping and wailing.
More About "wailing crossword clue"
'Wailing' in crossword puzzles often points to words associated with vocal expressions of strong emotion, typically grief, pain, or distress. It can range from soft moans to loud, prolonged cries. The clue might be direct, looking for a simple synonym, or it could be more nuanced, requiring you to consider the specific type of wail – perhaps an animal's howl, a lament, or a cry of despair. Recognizing the context is key to unlocking the correct answer.
Beyond human emotion, 'wailing' can also refer to sounds made by inanimate objects, such as the 'wailing' of wind through a chimney or the 'wailing' of a siren. Crossword setters love to play on these multiple meanings, so always keep an open mind when encountering such clues. Checking surrounding letters and the number of spaces available will significantly narrow down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms Broadly: For 'wailing', think not just of crying, but also expressions of sorrow like 'lament', 'grieve', or 'keen'. Also, consider sounds of distress like 'howl', 'sob', or 'moan'.
- Pay Attention to Letter Count: This is your most reliable helper. If 'wailing' is clued and you need a 5-letter word, 'CRIES' is a strong candidate. For 7 letters, 'SOBBING' or 'KEENING' might fit.
- Check Surrounding Clues: The letters from intersecting words are invaluable. They confirm your suspicions or push you towards alternative answers. Don't be afraid to try out a word you think might fit.
- Think About Context: Is the puzzle themed? Does the clue imply a human action, an animal sound, or an inanimate sound (like wind or a siren)? This can drastically change the appropriate synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'wailing' mean in a crossword clue?
In a crossword, 'wailing' typically refers to a loud, prolonged cry of distress, grief, or pain. It can also imply a mournful or lamenting sound. Clues might use it to prompt synonyms for crying, mourning, or even certain animal sounds (like a wolf's wail).
How do I find answers for 'wailing' clues with specific letter counts?
Start by identifying synonyms for 'wailing' that fit the required letter count. For example, 'CRIES' (5 letters), 'LAMENT' (6 letters), 'SOBBING' (7 letters), or 'MOURNING' (8 letters). Context from other intersecting words is crucial. Consider if the clue implies human emotion, animal sound, or even a metaphorical 'wailing' (like wind).
Are 'sobbing' and 'wailing' the same?
While closely related, 'sobbing' and 'wailing' describe different aspects of crying. 'Sobbing' is characterized by noisy, convulsive gasps, often due to intense sadness. 'Wailing' is a louder, more prolonged, and often mournful cry, which can be part of sobbing or a distinct expression of grief or pain. They can be interchangeable in some crossword contexts, depending on the nuance required by the clue.