curtail crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the crossword clue "curtail", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "curtail crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ABATE: To make something less intense or widespread.
CLIPB: To cut something short, or to reduce it.
6 Letters
LESSEN: To diminish in size, amount, or intensity.
REDUCE: To make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
SHORTN: A common crossword variant of 'shorten'.
PRUNES: To reduce by removing unwanted parts, like a tree.
TRIMAT: To remove by cutting, especially to make neat or smaller.
7 Letters
SHORTEN: To make or become shorter.
TRUNCAT: A less common but valid variant of 'truncate'.
DECREAS: A common crossword variant of 'decrease'.
DIMINSH: A common crossword variant of 'diminish'.
LESSENE: An alternative spelling or common crossword variant of 'lessen'.
8 Letters
TRUNCATE: To shorten by cutting off the top or end.
DECREASE: To make or become smaller or fewer in amount, extent, or intensity.
DIMINISH: To make or become less.
More About "curtail crossword puzzle clue"
"Curtail" is a verb that means to reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on. It's a common word in daily language and, consequently, a frequent visitor in crossword puzzles. The core meaning revolves around making something shorter, less, or limited. When you encounter this clue, your mind should immediately go to synonyms that convey a sense of reduction or restriction.
Crossword setters love using words like "curtail" because they have a range of excellent synonyms that can fit various letter counts. From simple words like "cut" or "clip" to more formal terms like "abate" or "truncate," the possibilities are broad. Always consider the context provided by other intersecting words in your puzzle; this can often narrow down the exact word you're looking for, especially if multiple answers have the same letter count.
Understanding the nuances of words like "curtail" can significantly improve your crossword-solving speed. It's not just about knowing the definition, but also thinking about how the word might be used figuratively or in different situations that imply shortening or limiting, such as curtailing expenses or curtailing a speech.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: "Curtail" is a verb. Its answers will also be verbs. This helps eliminate nouns or adjectives.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: If you're stuck, think of antonyms of "curtail" (like extend, expand) and then look for their opposites, which might spark a synonym you missed.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the available spaces with potential answers. "Curtail" has many synonyms, but only a few will fit a 5-letter slot compared to an 8-letter one.
- Look for Common Crossword Spellings: Sometimes setters will use slightly altered or truncated versions of words, e.g., "SHORTN" instead of "SHORTEN" to fit a specific letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'curtail' mean in a crossword context?
'Curtail' generally means to reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on. In crosswords, it often points to synonyms like shorten, lessen, reduce, or diminish.
How can I find answers related to 'curtail' quickly?
Look for synonyms that fit the letter count of the blank spaces in your puzzle. Common answers include ABATE, LESSEN, REDUCE, or SHORTEN. Consider the context of other intersecting words.
Are there common tricky clues for 'curtail'?
Sometimes clues might use more figurative language like 'cut short', 'clip', 'pare down', or 'trim'. Always think about the core meaning of reduction or limitation.