crossword clue slacken – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "slacken" in your latest crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you find the perfect fit and complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue slacken" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EASE: To make less severe, strict, or difficult. Often used in the context of relaxing effort or rules.
FLAG: To become tired, weaker, or less intense. For example, enthusiasm can flag.
SLOW: To reduce the speed or rate of something. A very common synonym for slacken when referring to pace.
5 Letters
RELAX: To make or become less tense, rigid, or strict. Commonly used for reducing tension in muscles or rules.
ABATE: To become less intense or widespread. Often used for storms, nuisances, or symptoms.
REMIT: To cancel or refrain from exacting (a debt, punishment, or duty). Less common but valid.
6 Letters
LOOSEN: To make or become less tight, firm, or secure. Directly relates to slackening a knot or grip.
LESSEN: To diminish in size, amount, or intensity. Similar to abate, but often broader in application.
UNBEND: To become less rigid or stiff, often used metaphorically for relaxing from formality.
7 Letters
SUBSIDE: To become less intense, violent, or severe. Often used for emotions, floods, or pain.
8 Letters
MITIGATE: To make less severe, serious, or painful. Used in contexts of reducing harm or impact.
More About "crossword clue slacken"
"Slacken" is a versatile verb that crossword setters love because it has many synonyms depending on the specific context. At its core, 'slacken' means to make or become less active, intense, firm, or quick. This can apply to a wide range of situations, from reducing tension in a rope to diminishing the speed of an action or relaxing rules and efforts.
When you encounter 'slacken' in a crossword clue, consider the implied meaning. Is it about physical tension (like a rope or a grip)? Then 'loosen' or 'ease' might be appropriate. Is it about reducing speed or effort? 'Slow' or 'relax' could be the answer. If it refers to intensity or severity, 'abate' or 'lessen' might fit. The richness of its synonyms makes 'slacken' a prime candidate for clues that require careful consideration of the surrounding puzzle and letter counts.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to provide you with all possible interpretations and their corresponding answers, making your crossword solving experience smooth and enjoyable. We aim to cover all popular lengths and common synonyms to ensure you're never stumped by this tricky, yet common, crossword term.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always read the full clue carefully. Is there an implied context for "slacken" (e.g., "slacken grip," "slacken pace") that points to a more specific synonym?
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words to eliminate possibilities and narrow down the correct answer. This is often the most effective strategy.
- Consider Parts of Speech and Tense: Does the clue imply a past tense ('slackened'), a present participle ('slackening'), or a noun ('slack')? Ensure your chosen answer matches the grammatical form.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, crossword clues use less common synonyms or more metaphorical meanings. If the direct synonyms don't fit, think about broader concepts of reduction or relaxation.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'slacken' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'slacken' typically refers to reducing tension, speed, intensity, or strictness. Common synonyms include ease, relax, loosen, abate, or lessen. The specific answer will depend on the number of letters and other intersecting words.
How can I find crossword answers when I'm stuck on a clue like 'slacken'?
When stuck, consider synonyms for the clue, think about different contexts the word might be used in (e.g., to slacken a rope vs. to slacken pace), and use the number of letters in the answer as a key filter. Online crossword solvers and dictionaries can also be very helpful.
Are there common tricks or patterns for 'slacken' type clues?
Clues involving verbs like 'slacken' often have multiple synonyms of varying lengths. Pay attention to any additional words in the clue that might narrow down the context (e.g., 'slacken pace' implying SLOW, or 'slacken grip' implying LOOSEN). Sometimes, past tense or -ing forms can also be clues for a variation of the word.