burn crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on the "burn" crossword clue? You've come to the right place! Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Whether it's a slight char or a full incineration, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "burn crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CHAR: To burn or scorch, often leaving a blackened surface.
SEAR: To burn or scorch the surface of something with a sudden, intense heat, especially in cooking.
5 Letters
SINGE: To burn slightly, especially the surface or ends of something, like hair or cloth.
ROAST: To cook food by prolonged exposure to heat in an oven or over a fire, often resulting in browning or crisping.
FLAME: To produce flames or to cause to burst into flames.
6 Letters
SCORCH: To burn the surface of something so as to change its color or texture, often slightly.
IGNITE: To catch fire or cause to catch fire, often used in the context of starting a combustion process.
7 Letters
SMOLDER: To burn slowly with smoke but no flame, often referring to embers or a suppressed fire.
CREMATE: To dispose of a dead body by burning it to ashes, a common funerary practice.
10 Letters
INCINERATE: To destroy (something, especially waste material) by burning completely, often at very high temperatures.
More About "burn crossword clue"
"Burn" is a versatile word in crosswords, often appearing with various meanings that can challenge solvers. Beyond the literal act of combustion, clues involving "burn" might refer to cooking methods like searing or roasting, or to the destructive consequences of fire such as charring or incinerating. The context is key: a clue like "Burn, as toast" points to SINGE or SCORCH, while "Burn completely" suggests INCINERATE or CONSUME.
Figuratively, "burn" can describe intense emotions ("burn with anger"), rapid consumption of resources ("burn through cash"), or even physical sensations ("a burning desire"). Always consider the nuances of the clue – does it imply a gentle heat, a destructive force, or a figurative meaning? The specific setter's style can also influence whether a common or more obscure synonym is required. Examining surrounding clues and already filled-in letters will significantly narrow down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For "burn" clues, distinguish between slight burning (singe, scorch), cooking (sear, roast), destruction (char, incinerate), or slow burning (smolder). The specific verb tense or accompanying adjectives can be crucial hints.
- Consider Figurative Meanings: Many crossword clues use words metaphorically. "Burn" could mean to consume rapidly (e.g., fuel), or to feel intensely (e.g., desire). Don't stick only to literal fire-related answers.
- Look at Cross-References: If the clue is short and ambiguous, check the letters provided by intersecting words. This is often the quickest way to confirm if it's CHAR, SEAR, or another similar short answer.
- Think about Common Crossword Fillers: Certain words related to "burn" appear frequently due to their useful letter combinations, like CHAR, SEAR, and SINGE. Keep these common answers in mind when brainstorming.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'burn' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'burn' in crosswords often include words related to cooking (ROAST, SEAR, GRILL), destruction (CHAR, INCINERATE, RAZE), or a slow process (SMOLDER, GLOW). The context of the clue usually hints at the specific type of 'burn' required.
How does clue length affect possible 'burn' answers?
The length of the answer is crucial. Short clues might point to CHAR or SEAR, while longer answers could be INCINERATE, CREMATE, or SCORCH. Always check the available letters in the grid and the number of letters required.
Can 'burn' clues have figurative answers?
Absolutely! 'Burn' can refer to a strong emotion (e.g., 'burn with anger'), a financial loss ('burn through cash'), or even a physical sensation ('muscle burn'). Crossword setters love to use words with multiple meanings, so consider figurative interpretations if literal ones don't fit.