water down crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find the most accurate and comprehensive solutions for the clue "water down crossword clue". We provide answers across all possible word lengths, along with clear explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "water down crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
THIN: To make less concentrated or potent, often by adding water.
6 Letters
DILUTE: To make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent to it.
WEAKEN: To reduce the strength or effect of something, sometimes by literal or figurative dilution.
SOFTEN: To make something less harsh or strong, which can be an outcome of watering down an idea or substance.
More About "water down crossword clue"
"Water down" is a versatile phrase that can be interpreted both literally and figuratively, making it a common and interesting clue in crossword puzzles. Literally, it refers to the act of adding water to a liquid to reduce its concentration, flavor, or strength. This is often done with beverages, paints, or chemicals.
Figuratively, and more frequently in crosswords, "water down" means to reduce the intensity, force, or effectiveness of something. This could apply to an argument, a proposal, a piece of legislation, or even an artistic statement. When something is watered down in this sense, its original impact or potency is diminished, often to make it more acceptable or palatable to a broader audience, or to avoid controversy.
Understanding both interpretations is key to solving this type of clue. Depending on the context provided by the puzzle, you might be looking for a direct synonym for dilution (like DILUTE or THIN) or a word that implies a reduction in strength or impact (like WEAKEN, SOFTEN, or LESSEN). Always consider the letter count and any crossing letters to narrow down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "water down," consider if the meaning is literal (adding water) or figurative (reducing intensity). This helps you choose between synonyms like DILUTE vs. WEAKEN.
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always confirm the exact number of letters needed for the answer. Crossword answers must fit perfectly into the grid, so a mismatch in length means you've got the wrong word.
- Look at Intersecting Words: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words as critical hints. They can confirm your suspicions or rule out incorrect answers instantly.
- Think of Homophones and Puns: While "water down" is fairly direct, many clues use wordplay. If an obvious answer isn't fitting, consider if the clue is a pun or a play on words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'water down' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'water down' typically refers to making something weaker, less intense, or less effective. This can apply to liquids, arguments, statements, or even artistic expressions. The clue often seeks synonyms like DILUTE, WEAKEN, THIN, or SOFTEN.
How can I find synonyms for 'water down' for a crossword?
To find synonyms for 'water down', consider the context. If it's literal, think of words related to adding liquid to reduce concentration (DILUTE, THIN). If it's figurative, think of words meaning to lessen intensity or impact (WEAKEN, SOFTEN, TONE DOWN, LESSEN). Also, consider the number of letters required.
Are there common themes related to 'dilution' in crosswords?
Yes, themes related to 'dilution' or 'watering down' often appear. Clues might involve making drinks weaker, reducing the potency of a chemical, or softening a stance in an argument. Common answers relate to reducing strength, purity, or impact. Be on the lookout for words that imply a lessening or moderating effect.