crossword clue shrivel – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "shrivel", categorized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue shrivel" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DRY: To lose moisture, becoming smaller or wrinkled.
4 Letters
WILT: To become limp and droop, typically due to lack of water.
5 Letters
WASTE: To become progressively weaker, smaller, or diminished, as if consumed or used up.
6 Letters
SHRINK: To become smaller in size or amount, often due to heat, cold, or moisture loss.
WITHER: To become dry and shrunken, often losing vitality, especially plants.
7 Letters
CRUMPLE: To crush or fold into wrinkles or creases, causing a reduction in size.
More About "crossword clue shrivel"
The word "shrivel" describes the process of becoming dry, wrinkled, and smaller, often due to loss of moisture, heat, or vitality. In crosswords, it's a common clue that can lead to a variety of answers depending on the context and the number of letters required. Understanding the nuances of synonyms like 'wither,' 'shrink,' 'dry,' and 'crumple' is key to solving puzzles that feature this clue.
Often, clues related to "shrivel" might also hint at a decline in health, power, or influence, extending beyond just physical objects. For example, a budget might "shrivel" or enthusiasm might "wither". This broader interpretation is crucial for more advanced or cryptic crosswords, where the literal meaning might be less obvious than the figurative one.
Pay close attention to any additional words in the clue. "Shrivel, as a leaf" strongly points to answers like WILT or WITHER, while "Shrivel from heat" might suggest DRY or SHRINK. The specificity of the clue can often guide you to the precise answer among several possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always match the possible answers to the number of blank spaces in your crossword grid. This is the fastest way to eliminate many incorrect options for clues like "shrivel."
- Think About Context: Is the clue referring to a plant, a person, or an abstract concept? The context can drastically narrow down the meaning of "shrivel" and lead you to the correct synonym.
- Look for Common Crossword Patterns: Many common crossword answers like WITHER, SHRINK, or DRY appear frequently. Familiarize yourself with these core vocabulary words as they are often reused in different puzzles.
- Use Check Letters: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them to test potential answers. For instance, if you have 'W_L_', and the clue is 'shrivel,' 'WILT' becomes a very strong candidate.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'shrivel' mean in a crossword context?
'Shrivel' typically refers to something that withers, dries up, shrinks, or becomes wrinkled due to loss of moisture, heat, or vitality. Common synonyms found in crosswords include 'wilt', 'dry', 'shrink', or 'wither'.
How can I find answers for 'shrivel' if I only have a few letters?
If you have a few letters, consider common letter patterns for words related to 'shrivel'. For example, if you have 'W_LT', 'WILT' is a strong candidate. If you know the length, that significantly narrows it down. Many crossword solvers allow you to input known letters and clue length.
Are there different types of 'shrivel' clues in crosswords?
Yes, 'shrivel' can appear in various forms. It might be a direct synonym, or it could be part of a more cryptic clue. For instance, 'Lose vitality (7)' could point to 'WITHER', or 'Become wrinkled (7)' could point to 'CRUMPLE'. Always consider the specific phrasing and any wordplay involved.