alcoholism crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "alcoholism crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their length, along with brief explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "alcoholism crossword clue" by Letter Count
8 Letters
DRINKING: Refers to the act of consuming alcohol, often used broadly in crosswords to indicate a habit or a problem related to alcohol consumption.
9 Letters
ADDICTION: A general term for a compulsive physiological and psychological dependence on a substance, which accurately describes alcoholism as a disease.
10 Letters
DIPSOMANIA: A historical and clinical term for an irresistible craving for alcoholic drinks. It's a more specific and less common answer, often appearing in more challenging puzzles.
DEPENDENCY: The state of being psychologically or physically reliant on alcohol. Similar to addiction, but can sometimes imply a lesser severity or a focus on the physiological need.
More About "alcoholism crossword clue"
The clue "alcoholism crossword clue" often appears in puzzles not just because of the direct term itself, but because it branches out into a wide array of related vocabulary. Puzzle setters love clues that can lead to multiple answers based on nuance, letter count, and the specific context of the puzzle. This clue can prompt answers that are clinical (like DIPSOMANIA), general (ADDICTION), or even descriptive of the behavior (DRINKING).
Understanding the different facets of such a term is crucial for crossword success. It highlights the importance of considering synonyms, medical terms, and even colloquialisms associated with the core concept. By exploring the various answers, you not only solve the current puzzle but also build a mental database for future challenges involving similar themes.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Does the clue for "alcoholism" sound clinical, casual, or historical? This can guide you towards answers like DIPSOMANIA (clinical/historical) versus DRINKING (casual/behavioral).
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters required. This is the most crucial filter. For "alcoholism," knowing it's 8, 9, or 10 letters immediately narrows your options significantly.
- Consider Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to confirm or rule out potential answers. This is especially helpful for longer words like ADDICTION or DIPSOMANIA.
- Think Broadly and Specifically: Some clues might refer to the general state (ADDICTION), while others might point to a specific type of craving (DIPSOMANIA) or the action itself (DRINKING). Keep an open mind to both broad and highly specific interpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes "alcoholism" a common crossword clue?
"Alcoholism" is a common clue due to its significant social and medical relevance, providing a rich vocabulary of related terms, synonyms, and associated concepts for puzzle setters to draw upon, from clinical terms to slang. Its many facets allow for diverse answers across various letter counts.
Are there common synonyms for 'alcoholism' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms or related terms include ADDICTION, DIPSOMANIA, DRINKING (in a problematic sense), DEPENDENCY, INTEMPERANCE, or phrases indicating excessive consumption, offering a range of letter counts for solvers.
How can I narrow down answers for clues about conditions like 'alcoholism'?
When facing such clues, consider the letter count first. Then, look for surrounding letters to confirm. Think about whether the clue leans towards a medical term (like DIPSOMANIA), a general term (ADDICTION), or a descriptive action (DRINKING). Context from other completed words is key.