consume crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "consume" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "consume crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EAT: To take in and digest food, a direct meaning of consume.
USE: To put something into service or apply for a purpose, often implying consumption of resources.
4 Letters
GULP: To swallow food or drink quickly or greedily, a specific way to consume.
5 Letters
DRINK: To take (a liquid) into the mouth and swallow, a direct form of consumption.
SPEND: To use or give out resources, especially money or time, which is a form of consumption.
6 Letters
DEVOUR: To eat food or prey hungrily or quickly, a more intense form of consuming.
IMBIBE: To drink (alcoholic beverages) or absorb (knowledge or ideas), another way to consume liquid or information.
ABSORB: To take in or soak up a liquid, gas, or other substance, akin to consuming.
More About "consume crossword clue"
"Consume" is a versatile word in English, and crossword setters love to exploit its various meanings. While its primary association is often with eating or drinking, it can also refer to the act of using up resources, whether that's time, money, or energy. For instance, a long journey can "consume" many hours, or a large factory can "consume" vast amounts of raw materials. This broader interpretation frequently appears in crosswords, requiring solvers to think beyond the most common definitions.
Beyond usage, "consume" can also imply destruction or deterioration. Fire can "consume" a forest, or rust can "consume" metal over time. This makes 'consume' a rich clue for puzzle creators, as it allows for a wide range of answers depending on the context and the number of letters. Always consider all possible interpretations when encountering this clue, from simple ingestion to more abstract forms of utilization or decay.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Pay close attention to any other words in the clue. Is there a descriptor like "quickly" (hinting at GULP or DEVOUR) or "slowly" (perhaps ABSORB)?
- Consider Letter Count: The number of boxes you need to fill is your most reliable guide. This page sorts answers by length precisely for this reason.
- Think Beyond Food: Remember that "consume" isn't just about eating. It can mean to use, to destroy, to spend, or to absorb. This broader perspective often unlocks the trickier answers.
- Check Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from other solved clues, use them to eliminate incorrect possibilities and confirm the correct answer for "consume."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'consume' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'consume' in crosswords often include words related to eating (e.g., EAT, DEVOUR, DRINK), using resources (e.g., USE, SPEND), or destroying/wasting (e.g., WASTE, ERODE). The specific context of the clue will help narrow it down.
How does the letter count help in solving 'consume' clues?
The letter count is crucial! If the clue is 'consume' and you need a 3-letter word, 'EAT' or 'USE' are strong candidates. For a 6-letter word, 'DEVOUR' or 'IMBIBE' might fit. Always check the number of boxes provided in your puzzle.
Can 'consume' also mean to destroy or waste?
Yes, 'consume' can indeed carry meanings of destruction or waste. For example, fire can 'consume' a building, or one can 'consume' resources wastefully. Crossword setters often play on these broader meanings, so consider all facets of the word.