What does 'criticise' mean in a crossword context?

In crosswords, 'criticise' refers to actions or words that express disapproval, find fault, or evaluate negatively. Clues can range from mild disapproval to harsh condemnation, requiring answers like 'PAN', 'CENSURE', or 'LAMBASTE'.

How can I find synonyms for 'criticise' for my crossword?

To find synonyms for 'criticise', think about the intensity of the criticism. Is it a gentle 'CHIDE' or a harsh 'DENOUNCE'? Consider common phrases like 'tear down' or 'pick apart' which might lead to shorter answers like 'RIP' or 'FAULT'.

Are there common tricks used with 'criticise' clues?

Yes, 'criticise' clues often involve homophones (e.g., 'pan' for cooking pan), cryptic wordplay (e.g., 'cut up' for criticise), or hidden words. Pay attention to indicator words that suggest a synonym or a more complex wordplay mechanism.

criticise crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "criticise crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, along with explanations to help you understand the nuance of each answer and boost your crossword-solving skills.

Solutions for "criticise crossword clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

PAN: To severely criticise, often in a review or public assessment. Commonly used for films, books, or performances.

5 Letters

SLATE: To strongly criticise or punish severely. Often implies a destructive or very negative critique.

KNOCK: To find fault with; disparage. A less formal way of criticising, often implying petty or casual fault-finding.

CHIDE: To scold or rebuke gently. Implies a milder form of criticism, often with an intention to correct rather than condemn.

6 Letters

BERATE: To scold or criticize angrily. Suggests a harsh and often prolonged verbal attack.

REVILE: To criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner. Stronger than berate, implying extreme verbal abuse.

7 Letters

CENSURE: To express severe disapproval of (someone or something), especially in a formal statement. Often used in political or official contexts.

8 Letters

LAMBASTE: To criticize (someone or something) harshly. Implies a thorough and severe verbal attack.

DENOUNCE: To publicly declare to be wrong or evil. Suggests a strong, public condemnation.

9 Letters

REPRIMAND: A formal expression of disapproval, especially by a person in authority. Often used in professional or disciplinary contexts.

More About "criticise crossword clue"

The term "criticise" in crosswords is a versatile one, prompting a wide array of synonyms depending on the specific nuance or intensity implied by the clue. From a simple 'PAN' for a bad review to a formal 'CENSURE' or a harsh 'LAMBASTE', the challenge often lies in matching the exact degree of disapproval. Cryptic clues might play on words like 'review' (re-view) or 'fault' (a geological fault), adding another layer of complexity.

Understanding the different shades of meaning for criticism is key to cracking these clues. Is the criticism gentle, like 'CHIDE', or is it a furious 'BERATE'? Does it imply public condemnation, as in 'DENOUNCE', or a more personal rebuke? Pay close attention to surrounding words in the clue that might give hints about the tone, context, or even the cryptic mechanism at play.

Many crossword setters enjoy using words related to literary or artistic criticism, such as 'SLATE' or 'PAN', due to their short lengths and multiple meanings. Similarly, terms from legal or formal contexts like 'REPRIMAND' and 'CENSURE' are popular for their precise definitions. By broadening your vocabulary around this theme, you'll be better equipped for future puzzles.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Context is King: Always consider the overall theme or tone of the crossword puzzle. Is it a quick daily puzzle or a more challenging cryptic one? This can hint at the type of answer expected.
Check Letter Count: The number of letters provided for the answer is your strongest clue. Use it to narrow down possibilities quickly from a list of synonyms.
Look for Anagram Indicators: Words like 'confused', 'mixed up', 'broken', 'rearranged', or 'about' might signal that the clue is an anagram of 'criticise' or a word related to it.
Consider Homophones: If the clue hints at a sound-alike, think of words that sound like criticism but have different spellings or meanings (e.g., 'PANE' for 'PAN').
Cross-Reference: Use intersecting letters from other answers to confirm your guesses. This is especially helpful when multiple synonyms fit the given letter count.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shortest crossword answer for 'criticise'?

The shortest common answer for 'criticise' in crosswords is 'PAN', which is a 3-letter word often used to describe a harsh review of something, especially in arts and entertainment.

How do I know if the 'criticise' clue is cryptic or straightforward?

Straightforward clues are usually direct synonyms. Cryptic clues, however, will often include wordplay indicators such as anagrams ('terrible sin' for 'CRITICISES' - an anagram of 'criticise'), hidden words, or double meanings. Look for keywords like 'muddled', 'about', 'hidden in', 'sounds like', or punctuation that signals a break in the clue's literal meaning.

Can 'criticise' refer to self-criticism in a crossword clue?

Yes, while less common, a crossword clue might imply self-criticism. For instance, a clue like "Pans self (3)" could still lead to 'PAN' if it's used in a reflexive sense, or a longer answer might be 'REPROVE' (to reprimand oneself). Always consider the full context of the clue.