crossword clue strike out – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "strike out," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to crack your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue strike out" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FAIL: To be unsuccessful or defeated in an attempt, or to cease to function.
5 Letters
ERASE: To remove writing or marks, often by rubbing or wiping them away.
FLUNK: To fail an examination or course of study, especially in an academic context.
6 Letters
CANCEL: To decide or announce that something will not be done or take place; to annul or revoke an order or agreement.
More About "crossword clue strike out"
"Strike out" is a versatile phrase that can stump many a crossword solver due to its multiple meanings. In its most common usage, it signifies failure or an unsuccessful attempt, much like a batter striking out in baseball. However, it can also refer to the act of removing or deleting something, as when you 'strike out' a word from a document. Crossword setters love such clues for their potential to lead solvers down the wrong path, forcing a deeper consideration of context.
Understanding the different interpretations of "strike out" is key to solving puzzles that feature this clue. It can be a literal action, like drawing a line through text, or a metaphorical one, describing a major setback or complete failure. The exact meaning will always depend on the surrounding clues and the overall theme or tone of the crossword puzzle you're working on.
When you encounter "strike out," consider whether the puzzle is looking for a synonym for failure, removal, or perhaps even a more niche meaning related to a specific field, like sports. Paying attention to the number of letters and any already-filled-in letters will significantly narrow down the possibilities and help you pinpoint the precise answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Word Length: Always check the number of boxes provided for the answer. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and narrows down your search for suitable words like FAIL (4 letters) or CANCEL (6 letters).
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many crossword clues, like "strike out," have multiple interpretations. Think broadly about all possible contexts: literal, figurative, and even idiomatic expressions.
- Leverage Cross-References: Don't solve clues in isolation. Letters from intersecting words are your best friends. They can confirm a hunch or invalidate a wrong guess, especially with ambiguous clues.
- Think about Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct answer isn't obvious, brainstorm synonyms for each interpretation of the clue. Sometimes, the answer might be an antonym to a related concept.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common interpretations of 'strike out' in crosswords?
The clue 'strike out' often refers to failure (e.g., FAIL, FLUNK), but can also mean to delete or remove (e.g., ERASE, CANCEL), or in a sports context (e.g., WHIFF for baseball).
How can I determine the correct 'strike out' answer?
Consider the number of letters required. Also, look at surrounding clues and letters already filled in. The context of other clues in the puzzle can often point towards whether the meaning is about failure, deletion, or something else.
Are there synonyms for 'strike out' that are also common crossword answers?
Yes, common synonyms or related terms that appear in crosswords include BUST, BOMB, SCRUB, DELETE, or even MISS, depending on the specific nuance implied by the clue. Always consider the wordplay.