crossword clue depression – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the crossword clue "depression," you've come to the right place. This page offers a comprehensive list of possible answers, carefully categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Let's find your solution!
Solutions for "crossword clue depression" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DIP: A slight fall or low point, often used to describe a temporary economic downturn or a physical indentation.
RUT: A long, deep track made by the repeated passage of something, or a dull, unvarying routine.
4 Letters
HOLE: A hollow place in a surface or solid body.
5 Letters
SLUMP: A sudden severe or prolonged fall in the value or price of something, or to sit, lean, or fall heavily and limply.
GLOOM: Partial or total darkness; sadness, melancholy, or depression.
7 Letters
SADNESS: The state or condition of being sad; grief or unhappiness.
DESPAIR: The complete loss or absence of hope.
9 Letters
RECESSION: A period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters.
DEJECTION: A sad and depressed state; low spirits.
More About "crossword clue depression"
The clue "depression" in crosswords is a fascinating example of how setters leverage the multiple meanings of a single word. Depending on the context, 'depression' can refer to a geographical low point (like a valley or a crater), an economic downturn (a recession or slump), or a state of low spirits or mental health (sadness, gloom, dejection). This polysemy makes it a rich clue for diverse answers and often requires solvers to pay close attention to the surrounding words in the clue or existing letters in the grid.
Understanding these different facets is crucial for successful solving. A clue hinting at 'a dip in the road' will lead to a different answer than one referring to 'a period of economic hardship' or 'a feeling of deep sorrow'. Our aim here is to provide all common possibilities, helping you navigate the setter's intent and find the correct fit for your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always read the full clue carefully. Words surrounding "depression" will heavily hint at whether it refers to a physical state (e.g., 'crater', 'hollow'), an economic one (e.g., 'economy', 'market'), or an emotional one (e.g., 'mood', 'sorrow').
- Check Letter Count: Once you have a potential answer, verify its letter count against the empty spaces in your grid. This is a quick way to eliminate incorrect possibilities, especially for a multi-faceted clue like 'depression'.
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. Even one or two letters can significantly narrow down the possibilities for a challenging clue, helping you confirm if 'SLUMP' fits better than 'GLOOM' for five letters.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'depression' have so many different answers in crosswords?
The word 'depression' is highly polysemous, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings: a low point (geographical or economic), a mood disorder, or a hollow. Crossword setters leverage these various definitions to create diverse clues, leading to a wide range of possible answers depending on the intended context.
How can I tell if 'depression' refers to a physical dip or a mood in a crossword clue?
Context is key! Look for surrounding words in the clue. If the clue mentions 'ground,' 'road,' 'terrain,' or 'valley,' it likely refers to a physical dip (e.g., HOLE, RUT, DIP). If it includes words like 'mood,' 'sadness,' 'spirits,' 'gloom,' or 'blues,' it points to an emotional state (e.g., GLOOM, SADNESS, DESPAIR).
Are there common synonyms for 'depression' that frequently appear as crossword answers?
Absolutely. For the 'low spirits' meaning, common answers include GLOOM, SADNESS, BLUES, DESPAIR, and DEJECTION. For a 'physical low point,' expect answers like DIP, RUT, HOLE, DENT, or ABYSS. For an 'economic downturn,' RECESSION or SLUMP are frequent solutions.