crossword clue defamed – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate guide to solving tricky crossword clues! Below you'll find comprehensive answers for "crossword clue defamed", perfectly organized by letter count to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue defamed" by Letter Count
9 Letters
SLANDERED: To make false and damaging statements about someone's reputation, often verbally.
8 Letters
MALIGNED: Spoken about someone or something in a spitefully critical or damaging manner.
7 Letters
TRASHED: Informal term for speaking or writing about someone or something in a highly critical and disparaging way.
LIBELED: Defamed by publishing a false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; written defamation.
REVILED: Criticized in an abusive or angrily insulting manner.
More About "crossword clue defamed"
The term "defamed" in a crossword puzzle typically points towards words that describe the act of damaging someone's good reputation, character, or standing. This can occur through various means, including spoken words (slander) or written statements (libel). Crossword setters often use such clues to test a solver's vocabulary related to legal terms, ethics, and social interactions.
Understanding the nuances of "defamed" can significantly aid in solving puzzles. For instance, while both slander and libel involve defamation, one is spoken and the other written. Crosswords might use these distinctions subtly, or they might simply seek a general synonym for bringing someone into disrepute. Always consider the context of the puzzle, the tone of the clue, and the number of letters required for the answer.
Beyond legal terminology, "defamed" can also relate to general acts of speaking ill of someone, criticizing them harshly, or deliberately spreading negative information. This broad interpretation allows for a wider range of possible answers, making it a versatile clue for crossword constructors. Keeping an open mind about synonyms and related concepts is key to cracking these types of clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always start by noting the exact number of letters the answer requires. This immediately narrows down possibilities for "defamed" from a large pool of synonyms.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think broadly about words that mean the same or the opposite of "defamed." Sometimes a clue might be a clever twist or lead to an antonym if paired with a negative.
- Look for Context Clues: Does the clue hint at spoken (e.g., "verbally attacked") or written (e.g., "printed falsehoods") defamation? This can guide you to specific words like SLANDERED or LIBELED.
- Check Surrounding Answers: Use letters from intersecting words to confirm or eliminate potential solutions. Even one confirmed letter can be the key to unlocking a challenging word like those for "defamed."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'defamed' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'defamed' refers to the act of harming someone's reputation, usually through false statements. Common answers are synonyms like SLANDERED, MALIGNED, or LIBELED. The specific answer will depend on the number of letters required and other intersecting clues.
How can I find answers for 'defamed' clues?
Start by checking the letter count needed for the answer. Then, think of synonyms for 'defamed' that fit that length. Consider whether the clue implies spoken (slander) or written (libel) defamation, or a more general sense of discrediting. Online crossword solvers like Crosswordanswer.co.uk can also provide quick assistance by matching the clue and length.
Are there synonyms for 'defamed' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, many! Beyond the obvious 'SLANDERED' and 'LIBELED', you might encounter 'MALIGNED', 'TRASHED', 'REVILED', 'ASPERSED', 'VILIFIED', or even 'DISCREDITED' depending on the puzzle's difficulty and style. Always consider the exact nuance implied by the clue.