What does 'cooled' mean in a crossword clue?

'Cooled' in a crossword can literally mean brought to a lower temperature (e.g., ICED, CHILLED, FROZEN). It can also be used metaphorically to mean made less intense, calm down, or brought under control (e.g., CALMED, TEMPERED, ASSUAGED). The context of surrounding letters is key.

Are there multiple answers for 'cooled' in crosswords?

Yes, like many crossword clues, 'cooled' can have multiple valid answers depending on the number of letters required and the specific nuance the puzzle setter intends. Common answers include ICED, CHILLED, CALMED, FROZEN, TEMPERED, and DEFLATED, among others.

How can I figure out if 'cooled' is literal or metaphorical?

The best way to determine if 'cooled' is literal or metaphorical is to look at the letter count and any intersecting words. If the answer fits something like 'ICED' or 'CHILLED', it's likely literal. If it fits 'CALMED' or 'TEMPERED', a metaphorical interpretation is more probable. Also, consider the publication or style of the crossword; some are more prone to wordplay than others.

cooled crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome! You're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "cooled". We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, to help you quickly complete your puzzle. Whether you need a literal chilling or a metaphorical calming, find your answer here.

Solutions for "cooled crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

ICED: To have been made cold by or with ice, often referring to drinks or food.

6 Letters

CALMED: Brought to a state of tranquility; reduced excitement or intensity, often metaphorically for emotions.

FROZEN: Made extremely cold, solid, or stiff, typically by exposure to sub-zero temperatures.

7 Letters

CHILLED: Made cool or colder, but not frozen, usually to a refreshing temperature for consumption.

8 Letters

TEMPERED: Modified or adjusted to a moderate or suitable degree; reduced in intensity, often referring to emotions or physical properties like metal.

DEFLATED: Metaphorically 'cooled' one's enthusiasm, confidence, or spirits; reduced in importance or size.

12 Letters

REFRIGERATED: Stored or preserved in a refrigerator to keep cool or fresh.

More About "cooled crossword clue"

"Cooled" is a versatile word in crosswords, often appearing in various contexts. It can refer to a literal drop in temperature, as in making something physically cold, or a figurative reduction in intensity, such as calming down an argument or lessening a passionate feeling. Puzzle setters love such words because they allow for both straightforward and more abstract interpretations, challenging solvers to think creatively.

When you encounter 'cooled' in a clue, always consider the letter count first. A shorter answer might point to common synonyms like ICED, while a longer one could suggest more specific processes like REFRIGERATED. Don't forget to check the context of surrounding clues and the overall theme of the crossword puzzle, as these can provide crucial hints about whether the clue is literal or metaphorical.

Understanding these dual meanings is a common trick in crosswords. By recognizing when a clue might be playing on a less obvious definition, you can unlock many tricky answers and improve your overall solving speed and accuracy. It's all part of the fun and challenge of crosswords!

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your most important clue. For "cooled", a 4-letter answer almost certainly points to 'ICED', while longer answers open up possibilities like 'CHILLED' or 'TEMPERED'.
Consider Literal vs. Figurative: Think about whether the clue is asking for a direct synonym (like making something physically cold) or a metaphorical one (like calming emotions). "Cooled" can be either.
Check Intersecting Clues: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words to narrow down the possibilities. This is often the quickest way to confirm a tricky answer.
Brainstorm Synonyms and Antonyms: Even if 'cooled' is the clue, thinking of words that mean 'hot' or 'excited' can sometimes lead you to the opposite, or related, terms that help you find the correct answer.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'cooled' always about temperature in crosswords?

No, not always. While it often refers to a reduction in physical temperature (e.g., ICED, CHILLED), 'cooled' can also be used metaphorically to mean to become less intense, to calm down, or to moderate a feeling or situation (e.g., CALMED, TEMPERED, DEFLATED).

What's the most common answer for a short 'cooled' clue?

For a short clue like 'cooled' with 4 letters, 'ICED' is a very common and direct answer, referring to something made cold with ice. Always confirm with intersecting letters.

How do I improve my ability to solve tricky crossword clues?

Practice is key! Also, pay attention to common crossword "rules" and clue types, such as anagrams, homophones, double meanings, and cryptic clues if you're doing cryptic crosswords. Building your vocabulary and familiarizing yourself with common crosswordese (words that appear often in puzzles) will also greatly help.