crossword clue stinking – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling a crossword and the clue "stinking" has you stumped, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations and letter counts, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue stinking" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FOUL: Describing something disgustingly bad, especially in smell.
RANK: Having a strong, unpleasant smell, often associated with decay or staleness.
5 Letters
FETID: Smelling extremely unpleasant, often used for a lingering, offensive odor.
6 Letters
PUTRID: Decaying or rotting and emitting a highly offensive, fetid smell.
RANCID: (Of fats or oily foods) smelling or tasting unpleasant as a result of being old and stale.
7 Letters
NOXIOUS: Harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant, often referring to smells or gases.
More About "crossword clue stinking"
The word "stinking" most commonly refers to something emitting a strong, unpleasant smell. In crossword puzzles, clues like "stinking" frequently aim at this primary, olfactory meaning. Puzzles love to play on words that evoke a sensory experience, and smell is a rich category for synonyms.
While its primary meaning relates to odor, "stinking" can also be used figuratively to mean extremely bad or of very poor quality (e.g., "a stinking play"). Less commonly, it can even be an intensifier, as in "stinking rich," although this is rare in standard crossword clues that usually focus on the more direct meaning.
When you encounter "stinking" in a crossword, your best bet is to consider words that describe a foul or offensive odor. The length of the answer box will then guide you to the specific synonym required, from shorter words like FOUL or RANK to longer ones like NOXIOUS or MALODOROUS.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Always Count Letters: This is the golden rule! The number of letters in the answer slot is your most crucial hint. Always double-check your potential answer's length against the available spaces.
- Consider Nuances of Synonyms: While many words mean "stinking," some have specific connotations (e.g., RANCID for fats, PUTRID for decay). Think if the surrounding words in the clue hint at a particular type of unpleasant smell.
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: Don't try to solve a tough clue in isolation. The letters filled in by intersecting answers are invaluable in narrowing down the possibilities for "stinking" or any other challenging clue.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Occasionally, a crossword might use a less common synonym or a figurative meaning. If the direct synonyms don't fit, consider broader terms related to "bad" or "offensive."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "stinking" typically refer to in crosswords?
In crosswords, "stinking" almost always refers to a very unpleasant smell, often associated with decay or something foul. It can also figuratively mean 'very bad' or 'of poor quality' depending on the clue's nuance.
Are there common synonyms for "stinking" used in crossword puzzles?
Yes, common synonyms include FOUL, RANK, FETID, RANCID, PUTRID, NOXIOUS, and sometimes even related terms like MALODOROUS. The context and number of letters are crucial to identify the correct answer.
How can I determine the exact answer when multiple words fit the "stinking" clue?
To pinpoint the correct answer, always look at the intersecting letters from other solved clues. The specific number of blank spaces provided is also a definitive guide. Additionally, consider any subtle context within the clue itself or the puzzle's theme.