crossword clue wail – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "wail", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, explanations, and helpful tips to get you unstuck and finish your puzzle.

Solutions for "crossword clue wail" by Letter Count

3 Letters

CRY: To make a loud, inarticulate sound expressing pain, grief, or other strong emotion. A common and direct synonym for wail.

4 Letters

MOAN: A prolonged, low sound of pain, suffering, or sexual pleasure. Can be a softer form of wailing or complaint.

HOWL: A prolonged, mournful cry, typically of an animal like a dog or wolf, but also used for a human cry of pain or distress. Often louder than a moan.

BAWL: To weep or cry noisily and unrestrainedly. Implies a very loud, often passionate or angry, cry.

6 Letters

LAMENT: A passionate expression of grief or sorrow. Often suggests a more formal or ritualistic expression of sadness and mourning.

More About "crossword clue wail"

"Wail" in crosswords can be a versatile clue, often leading to answers that describe various forms of vocal expression of distress, pain, or sorrow. It's not always about outright crying; it can encompass softer sounds like moans or louder, more sustained cries like howls. The key is the prolonged and often mournful nature of the sound.

The term can apply to both human and animal sounds, and sometimes even the sound of the wind or a siren, hinting at the breadth of its usage in puzzles. When solving, always consider the subtle differences in meaning between synonyms like 'sob', 'cry', 'moan', and 'lament', as the crossword constructor might be looking for a specific nuance based on other intersecting clues.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'wail' typically imply in a crossword clue?

In crosswords, 'wail' most often points to a long, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or distress. It can also refer to a loud, mournful sound, like that of an animal or even a siren. Common answers include synonyms for crying, sobbing, or lamenting.

How do I choose between multiple 'wail' answers of the same length?

If multiple answers for 'wail' share the same letter count, check for intersecting letters from other clues in your puzzle. The specific nuance of the clue might also guide you: for instance, 'mournful wail' might suggest LAMENT or KEEN, while 'child's wail' could point to BAWL.

Can 'wail' clues have non-human answers?

Yes, 'wailing' can appear in crosswords with subtle variations. It could refer to human cries of sadness (LAMENT, SOB), animal noises (HOWL), or even the sound of a siren or wind (MOAN, HOWL). The context of other clues in the puzzle often helps narrow down the intended meaning.