crossword clue show mercy – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "show mercy" in your latest crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible answers across various lengths to help you complete your grid with ease. Dive in to find the perfect fit and understand the nuances of each solution.
Solutions for "crossword clue show mercy" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SPARE: To refrain from harming or destroying, often out of clemency or compassion.
6 Letters
RELENT: To abandon a harsh intention or cruel treatment; to give in to a plea for mercy.
PARDON: To excuse from a penalty or punishment; to forgive an offense.
7 Letters
FORGIVE: To stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone for an offense, flaw, or mistake.
More About "crossword clue show mercy"
The phrase "show mercy" is a timeless concept, prevalent in literature, law, and everyday human interaction. In the context of crosswords, it typically points to verbs that signify an act of clemency, forgiveness, or withholding punishment. These words often imply a choice to be lenient rather than strict, or compassionate rather than harsh.
Understanding the synonyms for "mercy" and its related actions is key to cracking such clues. Words like SPARE, RELENT, PARDON, and FORGIVE all encapsulate different facets of this idea. While SPARE often means to hold back from inflicting harm, PARDON implies excusing from a penalty, and FORGIVE focuses on releasing resentment. RELENT, on the other hand, describes a change of heart from a harsh stance.
Crossword setters love to use such versatile concepts, as they allow for multiple valid solutions depending on the puzzle's specific grid and intersecting letters. Always consider the precise nuance and the number of letters required when selecting your answer, as each synonym carries its own subtle distinction.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "show mercy," think not only of direct synonyms but also antonyms (e.g., 'punish', 'harm'). Sometimes, the opposite action can trigger the correct word through association.
- Leverage Word Length: Always check the number of boxes available in your crossword grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and helps you choose between answers like SPARE (5 letters) and FORGIVE (7 letters).
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: The most powerful tip for any crossword is to use intersecting words. Even if you're unsure about "show mercy," a few confirmed letters from crossing clues can often reveal the correct answer.
- Focus on Action Verbs: Clues that describe an action, like "show mercy," will almost always have an action verb as the answer. Concentrate your vocabulary search on verbs that fit the description.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to approach abstract clues like "show mercy"?
When encountering abstract clues such as 'show mercy', the most effective strategy is to focus on the core synonyms and the implied action. Think about what showing mercy entails (e.g., not punishing, forgiving, sparing) and then search for single words that capture that essence. Considering the opposite action can also sometimes lead to the correct answer.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers of different lengths?
Crossword clues can have multiple valid answers of varying lengths for several reasons. Sometimes, a clue is deliberately broad to allow for different interpretations depending on the puzzle's theme or difficulty. Other times, a common phrase or concept might have several single-word synonyms that fit the general meaning but have different letter counts. The intersecting words in your puzzle will typically help narrow down which specific answer is correct for your grid.
How can I improve my vocabulary for clues related to emotions or actions?
Improving your vocabulary for emotion or action-related clues can significantly boost your crossword-solving skills. Reading widely across various genres exposes you to a broader range of words and their contexts. Regularly using a thesaurus to explore synonyms and antonyms for words you know can also deepen your understanding. Additionally, solving crosswords consistently helps build a mental database of common clue-answer pairs and recurring themes.