crossword clue corrupt – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "crossword clue corrupt" in your puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your crossword with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue corrupt" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MAR: To damage or spoil something, often its appearance or quality.
4 Letters
FOUL: Morally depraved; wicked or offensive. Can also mean to make dirty.
5 Letters
VENAL: Susceptible to bribery; corrupt.
SPOIL: To damage or ruin something; to make it unfit for use or consumption.
6 Letters
DEBASE: To reduce in quality or value; to lower in character, quality, or value.
7 Letters
POLLUTE: To contaminate with harmful or poisonous substances; to make impure or morally corrupt.
PERVERT: To alter something from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what it was.
More About "crossword clue corrupt"
The clue "corrupt" is a common yet versatile term in crosswords, often leading to a range of solutions depending on the specific nuance the puzzle setter intends. It can refer to moral decay, such as a corrupt official (e.g., VENAL), or the physical spoiling of something, like food or data (e.g., SPOIL, TAINT). Understanding these different facets is key to pinpointing the right answer.
Often, "corrupt" clues can hint at verbs describing the act of making something impure or debased, or adjectives describing a state of impurity or moral depravity. Always consider the context provided by other words in the clue or the overall theme of the crossword to narrow down the possibilities. The length of the required answer is also a major hint, guiding you toward shorter or longer synonyms that fit the space.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: "Corrupt" has many direct synonyms. Also, think of its antonyms (e.g., pure, honest) if the clue uses a negation or opposite meaning.
- Check Word Forms: Is the answer an adjective (corrupt), a verb (to corrupt), or a noun (corruption)? This affects the type of word you're looking for.
- Examine Surrounding Clues: The letters from intersecting words are your best friends. They can often reveal the first or last letter, or even a crucial letter in the middle, confirming or ruling out potential answers.
- Think of Context: Does the puzzle have a theme? Is it an older, more traditional puzzle or a modern, trickier one? This can influence the type of synonym used.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "corrupt" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "corrupt" can refer to several concepts: moral degradation (e.g., VENAL, FOUL), physical decay or damage (e.g., SPOIL, DECAY), or altering something for the worse (e.g., PERVERT, POLLUTE, DEBASE). The specific context of the clue and surrounding letters will guide you to the correct answer.
Why are there so many possible answers for the clue "corrupt"?
The word "corrupt" is rich in synonyms and has various nuances, allowing for a wide range of answers depending on the specific angle the clue takes. It can describe a state, an action, or a characteristic, leading to different verbs, adjectives, or even nouns that fit the definition.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like "TAINT" and "SPOIL"?
While similar, "TAINT" often implies a slight, subtle, or moral contamination, whereas "SPOIL" suggests a more significant or complete ruin, often of food or plans. Pay close attention to the word count, any accompanying words in the clue, and how the letters fit with intersecting words in the puzzle.