withered crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "withered" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their length, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution.
Solutions for "withered crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
AGED: Having grown old; showing signs of advanced age, which can include a withered look.
5 Letters
FADED: Lost freshness or color, often gradually.
DRIED: Devoid of moisture; past tense of to dry.
GAUNT: Lean and haggard, especially from suffering, hunger, or age, implying a withered appearance.
6 Letters
SHRUNK: Reduced in size, often as if by drying or aging.
7 Letters
PARCHED: Dried out with heat; extremely thirsty, often used for land or skin.
More About "withered crossword"
The word "withered" is a common and versatile clue in crosswords, often pointing towards concepts of decay, loss of vitality, or physical shrinkage. It can be applied to a variety of subjects, from a plant losing its leaves to a person becoming frail with age, or even abstract ideas like hopes or dreams fading away. Understanding this broad spectrum of meaning is key to solving the clue.
Crossword setters love to play on synonyms and their subtle differences. For example, while "withered" might imply a slow decline, "shrunk" suggests a reduction in size, and "parched" specifically highlights a lack of moisture. Paying attention to these nuances and the context of the puzzle, such as the theme or other clues, can help you pinpoint the exact answer the puzzle constructor intended.
Beyond its literal sense, "withered" can also appear in more figurative contexts, challenging solvers to think outside the box. Always consider if the clue is asking for a physical description, a state of being, or a metaphorical outcome, as this will guide you to the most fitting word from the pool of potential synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all synonyms: For a clue like "withered," think beyond the obvious. Synonyms can range from "dried" and "faded" to "aged," "gaunt," or even more obscure terms depending on the puzzle's difficulty.
- Check cross-references: Always use the letters from intersecting words to narrow down possibilities. If a word like "DRIED" fits horizontally but "DRIVE" doesn't fit vertically, you know "DRIED" is a stronger candidate.
- Look for grammatical cues: The clue "withered" is past tense. Ensure your answer word also reflects this tense or is an adjective that fits the context. This helps eliminate words that might be synonyms but don't match the grammatical form.
- Utilize letter count strategically: The number of blank squares provided is your most crucial hint. If you have a 5-letter space, immediately focus on 5-letter answers like FADED or DRIED.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "withered" typically mean in a crossword context?
'Withered' in crosswords usually refers to something that has lost its freshness, vitality, or moisture. This can apply to plants, people, or abstract concepts like hopes. Common synonyms include words related to drying out, decaying, or aging.
How do I choose between multiple answers for "withered" that fit the letter count?
The best strategy is to use the intersecting letters from other already solved clues. If there are no intersecting letters yet, consider the specific nuance of the clue. For example, 'parched' implies extreme dryness, while 'gaunt' often refers to a person's appearance. The puzzle's theme or other related clues might also provide hints.
Are there common traps with clues like "withered"?
Yes, a common trap is to narrow your focus too much. 'Withered' can have various applications beyond just plants, encompassing anything that has lost vigor. Another trap is failing to consider different tenses or parts of speech; always ensure your answer fits the grammatical context of the clue and the puzzle grid.