criticizes crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "criticizes crossword puzzle clue," designed to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently. We provide solutions across various letter counts to ensure you find exactly what you need.
Solutions for "criticizes crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PANS: To criticize severely, often informally, as in 'The critics panned the movie.'
6 Letters
KNOCKS: To find fault with or criticize, often casually, like 'He always knocks my cooking.'
7 Letters
REBUKES: To express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behaviour or actions.
8 Letters
LAMBASTS: To criticize (someone or something) harshly.
CENSURES: To express severe disapproval of (someone or something), especially in a formal statement.
9 Letters
DENOUNCES: To publicly declare to be wrong or evil.
More About "criticizes crossword puzzle clue"
The act of "criticizing" is a common theme in crosswords, reflecting a fundamental aspect of human interaction and evaluation. Clues for "criticizes" can range from mild disapproval to outright condemnation, often depending on the number of letters required and the overall tone of the puzzle. Understanding these nuances can significantly aid in solving.
Crossword setters often use synonyms for "criticizes" to make the clue more challenging. Words like "faults," "slams," "chides," "berates," "reproaches," and "deprecates" are all fair game. The key is to look at the broader context of the puzzle – is it a general knowledge clue, or is it part of a themed puzzle that might hint at a specific type of criticism?
Furthermore, the grammatical form of "criticizes" (present tense verb) is crucial. Ensure your answer is also a verb in the correct tense, rather than a noun like "criticism" or an adjective. This attention to detail is a hallmark of skilled crossword solvers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For a clue like "criticizes," think about its direct synonyms (e.g., condemn, disparage) and also its antonyms (e.g., praise, commend) as sometimes clues can be indirect.
- Check letter count carefully: Always double-check the number of letters you need. This is the most crucial constraint in crosswords and immediately narrows down possibilities.
- Analyze the clue's tone: Is the criticism gentle or harsh? Words like "pans" imply harsh criticism, while "chides" suggests something milder. This can guide you to the precise word.
- Look for context clues: Are there other words in the puzzle or the clue itself that give hints? For example, if the clue is 'movie criticizes,' 'PANS' becomes a very strong candidate.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the common informal word for "criticizes" in crosswords?
One of the most common informal answers for "criticizes" in crosswords, especially for a short word, is PANS. It's frequently used in the context of reviews (e.g., "The critic pans the new play").
How can I differentiate between similar 'criticizes' answers like REBUKES and CHIDES?
While both mean to criticize, REBUKES often implies a sharper, more severe form of criticism or reprimand, often for a serious fault. CHIDES suggests a milder, more gentle form of correction or scolding, often for minor misbehavior or a lack of effort. The context of the clue might hint at the intensity required.
Are there any 'criticizes' answers that are also musical terms?
Yes, 'PANS' can be a crossword answer for 'criticizes' and is also a term for 'pan pipes' or 'panning' audio from left to right. Crossword setters love these kinds of double meanings, so always consider alternative interpretations based on other words in the clue.