anointed crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "anointed" for your daily puzzle or a challenging cryptic, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "anointed crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HOLY: Often used to describe something or someone that has been consecrated or set apart through a ritual, such as anointing, signifying a sacred status.
6 Letters
OINTED: This is the direct past tense form of 'anoint', meaning to smear or rub with oil, typically as part of a religious ceremony.
SACRED: Similar to 'holy', 'sacred' describes something dedicated or set apart for the worship of a deity, often achieved through an act of anointing.
7 Letters
BLESSED: To be 'blessed' often implies receiving divine favor or protection, which can be conferred through anointing in many spiritual traditions.
More About "anointed crossword clue"
The term "anointed" carries significant historical and religious weight, often appearing in contexts of consecration, blessing, or setting apart for a special purpose. In many ancient cultures, anointing with oil was a ritual signifying divine favor, purification, or the installation of someone into a position of authority, such as a king or priest. This rich background makes it a versatile clue in crosswords, leading to answers that reflect various facets of its meaning.
Understanding the nuances of "anointed" can unlock several possible solutions. While the direct past tense "OINTED" is a common and straightforward answer, setters often look for synonyms that describe the *result* of being anointed, such as becoming "HOLY" or "SACRED," or being "BLESSED" with divine favor. Its usage can span from literal application of oil to metaphorical selection or designation.
When tackling this clue, consider the specific context of the puzzle, if provided. Is it asking for the act itself, the state resulting from the act, or a person who has undergone the act? Thinking about these dimensions will help you narrow down the possibilities and find the exact word the puzzle setter intended.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always check the number of letters required. This immediately narrows down your potential answers significantly. For "anointed," knowing if it's a 4-letter or 7-letter word is crucial.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword clues often rely on synonyms. For "anointed," think of words that mean consecrated, blessed, sacred, or even just 'oiled'. Sometimes, the opposite meaning might also be hinted at if the clue is tricky.
- Look for Part of Speech: Is "anointed" used as a verb (past tense), an adjective, or a noun? This can guide your answer. Here, it can be a past participle used as an adjective (e.g., 'the anointed king') or simply the past tense of the verb.
- Check Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, nearby answers or clues in the same puzzle can give you hints or confirm your suspicions for a difficult word. The theme of the puzzle might also offer clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'anointed' mean in the context of crosswords?
In crosswords, 'anointed' typically refers to the act of consecrating or dedicating someone or something with oil, often in a religious or ceremonial context. Answers can include synonyms for consecrated, blessed, or the direct past tense of the verb.
Why might 'HOLY' or 'SACRED' be answers for 'anointed'?
When someone or something is anointed, it is often consecrated, making it 'holy' or 'sacred'. The anointing transforms its status to one of divine appointment or special dedication, thus these words serve as fitting synonyms in crossword puzzles.
Are there different types of anointing referred to in crosswords?
While 'anointed' generally implies a religious context, crosswords might also allude to broader meanings such as being chosen or designated for a role (e.g., 'anointed successor') or even simply rubbing with oil for medicinal or grooming purposes, though the ceremonial sense is most common.