crossword clue alleviate – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "alleviate", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue alleviate" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EASE: To make something less severe, difficult, or painful.
5 Letters
ABATE: To become less intense or widespread.
6 Letters
SOOTHE: To gently calm a person or their feelings.
LESSEN: To diminish in size, amount, or intensity.
7 Letters
RELIEVE: To cause pain, distress, or difficulty to become less severe or serious.
8 Letters
MITIGATE: To make less severe, serious, or painful.
More About "crossword clue alleviate"
The word "alleviate" is a versatile verb meaning to make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe. In crosswords, it frequently appears as a clue seeking synonyms that fit various letter counts. Understanding the nuances of related words like "ease," "relieve," "lessen," "abate," and "mitigate" is key to solving puzzles that feature this common term.
Crossword setters often use "alleviate" to test a solver's vocabulary depth related to reducing intensity or discomfort. It's a fantastic example of how context and synonyms play a crucial role in deciphering clues. Always consider if the answer should refer to physical pain, emotional distress, or a general problem, as some synonyms might fit one context better than another, even if the primary meaning aligns.
Beyond direct synonyms, clues for "alleviate" might sometimes hint at actions that bring about relief, such as "soothe" or "calm." Paying attention to the tone and implied action in the clue can often guide you to the precise answer needed for your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check intersecting letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from other clues. This is the most reliable way to narrow down options when multiple words fit the clue's meaning and length.
- Consider the clue's part of speech: If "alleviate" is a verb, its answer will also likely be a verb (e.g., EASE, RELIEVE). This helps eliminate nouns or adjectives that might be synonymous in meaning but not in form.
- Think of common crossword synonyms: Over time, you'll notice certain words like EASE, RELIEVE, or ABATE appear frequently for clues like 'alleviate'. Building this mental dictionary speeds up your solving.
- Look for subtle context: Does the clue hint at physical pain (RELIEVE, SOOTHE), a problem (MITIGATE, LESSEN), or general easing (EASE)? The context can sometimes point to a specific synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'alleviate' mean in the context of a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'alleviate' typically refers to making something less severe, painful, or burdensome. Common synonyms include ease, relieve, lessen, abate, or mitigate.
How do I choose the correct 'alleviate' answer if multiple options fit the length?
The correct answer depends on the intersecting letters from other clues. If multiple synonyms fit the length, use the letters you already have from completed intersecting words to narrow down the possibilities.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes related to 'alleviate' in crosswords?
While 'alleviate' itself doesn't have common crossword prefixes/suffixes directly, related words might use 'un-' (as in 'unburden') or 're-' (as in 'relieve'), which are frequent crossword components. Always consider the overall meaning and letter count.