abate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most comprehensive answers for the crossword clue "abate". Whether you're stuck on a tricky puzzle or just looking to verify, we've got you covered with solutions organized by letter count and detailed explanations.
Solutions for "abate crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EBB: To lessen, decline, or recede, often used in context of tides or emotions.
4 Letters
WANE: To decrease in strength, intensity, or size, as in the moon waning or enthusiasm waning.
6 Letters
LESSEN: To make or become less; diminish.
RECEDE: To go or move back or further away from a previous position.
7 Letters
SUBSIDE: To become less intense, violent, or severe; settle down.
SLACKEN: To become less active, intense, or quick.
8 Letters
DECREASE: To make or become smaller or fewer in amount, degree, or size.
More About "abate crossword clue"
"Abate" is a versatile word often encountered in crosswords, conveying the idea of reduction, lessening, or a decrease in intensity. Its usage can range from natural phenomena, like a storm abating, to emotional states, such as anger abating. Understanding the various synonyms and contexts helps in identifying the correct answer when presented with this clue.
Crossword setters love to play with words that have multiple meanings or subtle differences. While "abate" generally means to diminish, specific puzzles might hint at a particular nuance. For example, a clue might lean towards the legal sense of abating a nuisance, or the physical sense of a tide ebbing. Always consider the surrounding clues and the overall theme of the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: The number of boxes in the grid is your first and most crucial hint. Always match your potential answer's length exactly to the available spaces.
- Look at Intersecting Words: Use crossing letters from other solved clues to confirm your answer for "abate." This is the most reliable way to ensure accuracy.
- Consider Synonyms and Context: Think about all possible synonyms for "abate" (e.g., lessen, wane, subside, ebb, decrease) and how they might fit the clue's tone or implied context within the puzzle.
- Think about Parts of Speech: Is the clue asking for a verb, noun, or adjective? "Abate" is primarily a verb, so its synonyms will likely also be verbs.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'abate' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'abate' typically refers to something becoming less intense, less severe, or diminishing in quantity or strength. Common synonyms like lessen, subside, wane, or ebb are often suitable answers depending on the letter count.
How can I find the correct answer for 'abate' if multiple options fit?
Look at the intersecting words in your crossword puzzle. The letters from the intersecting clues will reveal which of the possible answers for 'abate' is the correct fit for that specific puzzle. Also, consider the nuances of the synonym; sometimes a particular shade of meaning is implied.
Are there common themes for clues related to 'abate'?
Yes, 'abate' often appears in clues related to weather phenomena (e.g., 'storm abates'), emotions ('anger abates'), legal contexts ('nuisance abates'), or general reduction/lessening of something. Being aware of these contexts can help you anticipate the expected answer.