cease to be crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the clue "cease to be"? You've come to the right place! We provide a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle. Whether you're looking for a short solution or a longer one, you'll find the perfect fit here.
Solutions for "cease to be crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DIE: To stop living or existing; to come to an end.
END: To bring or come to a final point; to finish or cease to exist.
4 Letters
STOP: To cease from movement or activity; to come to a halt.
5 Letters
CEASE: To bring or come to an end; to stop doing something or existing.
6 Letters
EXPIRE: To cease to be valid after a period of time; to come to an end, often related to a legal or time limit.
VANISH: To disappear suddenly and completely; to cease to exist or be perceptible.
More About "cease to be crossword clue"
The clue "cease to be" is a classic crossword prompt that delves into the concept of termination, disappearance, or the cessation of existence. It's broad enough to allow for multiple answers depending on the precise nuance the puzzle setter intends and, crucially, the number of letters available in the grid. This makes it a fascinating clue that tests your vocabulary and ability to think synonymously.
Understanding this clue often requires considering various contexts where something might 'cease to be'. It could refer to a physical entity, a state of being, an activity, or even a legal status. For instance, a person might 'die', a contract might 'expire', a sound might 'cease', or a memory might 'vanish'. The most common answers tend to be direct synonyms for stopping or ending, but clever setters sometimes use more evocative or specific terms.
Always pay close attention to any intersecting letters you might already have in your puzzle. These existing letters can often narrow down the possibilities significantly, helping you choose between similarly themed words like 'DIE' and 'END', or 'EXPIRE' and 'VANISH'. If the clue appears in a themed puzzle, the overall theme might also provide a subtle hint to the specific meaning of 'cease to be' the setter is driving towards.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: Always start by counting the boxes in the grid. This is the single most important piece of information, immediately narrowing down your potential answers.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "cease to be," think broadly about words that mean "stop," "end," "disappear," or even words that imply the opposite, sometimes puzzles ask for the antonym of a concept.
- Look for Homophones and Puns: Crossword setters love wordplay. If a common answer doesn't fit, consider if the clue is a pun or implies a sound-alike word. While "cease to be" is usually straightforward, always keep an eye out for these tricks in other clues.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved crossing words. These are your strongest hints, often making an otherwise ambiguous clue solvable by revealing crucial letters.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cease to be' imply in a crossword clue?
'Cease to be' typically implies coming to an end, stopping existence, or disappearing. Answers often relate to verbs like 'die', 'end', 'stop', 'expire', or 'vanish', depending on the letter count and the puzzle's specific context.
How can I figure out the correct length for 'cease to be'?
The number of blanks provided in the crossword grid is your primary indicator for the answer's length. Always count the empty squares to determine how many letters the solution should have. Then, brainstorm synonyms that fit that specific length.
Are there common tricks for 'cease to be' clues?
Sometimes, 'cease to be' might lead to a word that signifies the *absence* of something, or a more metaphorical end. For example, if something 'ceases to be a problem', the answer might relate to 'SOLVED'. Always consider both literal and figurative meanings, and check surrounding letters if available.