curse crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "curse crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle solved quickly.
Solutions for "curse crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
HEX: A magical spell intended to bring bad luck or misfortune.
4 Letters
OATH: A solemn promise or a profane exclamation, often involving invoking a divine power.
JINX: Something that is believed to bring bad luck; also, to subject someone or something to a jinx.
DAMN: To condemn or express strong disapproval of someone or something, often in a curse-like manner.
5 Letters
SWEAR: To use offensive or blasphemous language; to utter a profanity.
6 Letters
BLIGHT: A thing that spoils or damages something, often used metaphorically for a curse or plague affecting an area or group.
8 Letters
ANATHEMA: A formal curse by a pope or a council of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine. Can also mean something intensely disliked.
9 Letters
IMPRECATE: To utter a curse or invoke evil upon someone or something, often with a strong emotional intent.
More About "curse crossword clue"
The clue "curse" in a crossword puzzle can be surprisingly versatile, leading to a range of answers from short, common words to longer, more formal terms. Understanding the different facets of 'curse' – as an exclamation, a magical spell, or a formal condemnation – is key to selecting the correct answer. Puzzlemakers love this clue because it allows for a broad spectrum of synonyms, testing your vocabulary depth.
Context is everything. A clue like "Witch's curse" might lean towards HEX or JINX, while "Religious curse" would strongly suggest ANATHEMA. Similarly, a clue implying strong language would point to SWEAR or OATH. Always consider the puzzle's theme and the surrounding letters you've already filled in.
Beyond its literal meaning, 'curse' can also be used metaphorically. For instance, 'a curse on their house' implies a persistent source of trouble or misfortune, which could lead to answers like BANE or BLIGHT. By thinking broadly about the word's applications, you'll increase your chances of finding the exact solution the puzzle demands.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: Is "curse" used as a noun (a thing, a state) or a verb (an action)? This will narrow down your options significantly (e.g., JINX vs. SWEAR).
- Consider the Clue's Tone: Is it informal ("Gosh darn it!") or formal ("Biblical curse")? The tone often hints at the sophistication or commonality of the answer word.
- Leverage Known Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is the most crucial step in confirming or eliminating potential answers.
- Think of Homophones/Homographs: Sometimes clues play on words that sound alike but have different meanings or are spelled the same but have different pronunciations/meanings. While less common for 'curse,' it's a good general strategy.
- Check for Common Crossword Themes: Some puzzles have themes that might subtly guide you towards a specific type of 'curse' (e.g., a magic-themed puzzle might favor HEX).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'curse' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'curse' in crosswords often include words like HEX, JINX, OATH, SWEAR, BANE, and occasionally more obscure terms like ANATHEMA or IMPRECATE, depending on the clue's nuance and the puzzle's difficulty.
How can I distinguish between 'curse' as an action versus a noun in a crossword clue?
Pay close attention to the clue's phrasing. If it suggests an an action (e.g., 'To curse,' 'Utter a curse'), the answer will likely be a verb (e.g., SWEAR, IMPRECATE). If it refers to an object or state (e.g., 'A curse,' 'Source of misfortune'), the answer will be a noun (e.g., HEX, JINX, BANE, ANATHEMA).
Are there historical or religious 'curse' related answers?
Yes, some crossword clues for 'curse' can point to words with historical or religious connotations. ANATHEMA is a prime example, referring to a formal curse or excommunication. Other less common but possible answers might relate to ancient rituals or mythological curses.