crossword clue ooze – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "crossword clue ooze", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations and categorized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue ooze" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MUD: A soft, sticky matter resulting from the mixing of earth and water, often found oozing.
4 Letters
SEEP: To flow slowly through small openings, as liquid through a porous substance; to ooze out.
FLOW: To move steadily and continuously in a current or stream, like liquid; to flow out slowly.
DRIP: To fall in drops, or let fall in drops; to trickle out, a form of oozing.
GUSH: To flow out in a rapid and plentiful stream, sometimes implying a forceful ooze.
WEEP: To exude liquid, often in a slow, steady manner; a plant or wound might weep.
5 Letters
EXUDE: To discharge slowly and steadily; to emit or secrete, as sweat or sap.
SLIME: A thick, slippery, often unpleasant liquid substance, which can be described as ooze.
7 Letters
TRICKLE: To flow in a small stream; to move slowly and irregularly, like a thin ooze.
8 Letters
SECRETES: Produces and discharges (a substance), often slowly and steadily, akin to oozing.
9 Letters
PERCOLATE: To filter gradually through a porous surface or substance; to slowly permeate or ooze through.
More About "crossword clue ooze"
The word "ooze" is a versatile term often encountered in crosswords, representing a variety of actions and substances. Primarily, it describes a slow, gradual leakage or flow of liquid, semi-liquid, or even gas from a confined space. This can refer to anything from water seeping through cracks to sap dripping from a tree, or even metaphorically, emotions or ideas emanating from a person or situation.
In crossword puzzles, clues related to 'ooze' test your vocabulary for synonyms that capture this slow, often messy, movement. Answers can range from straightforward verbs like SEEP or DRIP, to more descriptive nouns like SLIME or MUD, reflecting the substance itself that is oozing. Understanding the nuances of the clue – whether it implies a natural process, an unpleasant discharge, or a gradual emanation – is key to selecting the correct answer among multiple possibilities of similar letter counts.
Moreover, 'ooze' can sometimes be clued with a more scientific or formal synonym such as EXUDE or SECRETES, especially in more challenging puzzles. Always consider the context of the puzzle's theme and the difficulty level when tackling such clues. The best approach is to cross-reference with other completed words in the grid to narrow down the options.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- **Check Letter Count First:** Always confirm the number of letters required for the answer. This is your most valuable hint when facing multiple potential solutions for a single clue like 'ooze'.
- **Consider Synonyms and Antonyms:** For words like 'ooze', think broadly about its synonyms (seep, flow, drip, exude) and sometimes even antonyms if the clue uses "not oozing" or similar phrasing.
- **Look at Surrounding Clues:** Often, answers from intersecting words will give you a letter or two, which can be invaluable in revealing the correct solution for 'ooze' by eliminating words that don't fit the pattern.
- **Think About Context:** Is the puzzle's theme nature, science, emotions, or everyday life? The context can subtly guide you towards the specific type of 'ooze' implied (e.g., watery ooze vs. metaphorical ooze).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ooze' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'ooze' typically refers to the slow flow or seepage of a liquid or semi-liquid substance. It can also metaphorically refer to something emanating or radiating slowly, like emotions or atmosphere. Common synonyms include seep, flow, drip, or exude.
How do I determine the correct length for 'ooze' answers in a crossword?
To find the right length, check the number of dashes or boxes provided in the puzzle grid. This indicates the exact letter count required. Then, consider common synonyms of 'ooze' that fit that specific length, such as SEEP (4 letters), EXUDE (5 letters), or TRICKLE (7 letters).
Are there any common crossword tricks or related words for 'ooze'?
Yes, 'ooze' might be clued with words implying slow movement ('trickle,' 'drip'), a viscous substance ('slime,' 'mud'), or even metaphorical emission ('exude,' 'radiate'). Sometimes, it refers to the 'ooze' itself, as a noun, meaning a slimy deposit, which could lead to answers like MUD or SLIME.