deadly crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "deadly crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle. We aim to provide not just answers, but also context and explanations to enhance your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "deadly crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
FATAL: Causing or capable of causing death; destructive.
TOXIC: Poisonous, or extremely harmful or unpleasant in a pervasive or insidious way.
6 Letters
LETHAL: Sufficient to cause death.
MORTAL: Causing or able to cause death; fatal.
8 Letters
VENOMOUS: (Of an animal) secreting venom; capable of inflicting a poisoned bite or sting.
9 Letters
POISONOUS: (Of a substance or plant) causing illness or death if taken into the body or produced by the body.
More About "deadly crossword clue"
The word "deadly" in a crossword clue context can be a versatile and intriguing challenge for solvers. While its primary meaning relates to causing death, crosswords often play on its secondary and figurative meanings. For instance, "deadly" can refer to something extremely effective, intense, or even boring (as in 'deadly dull'). Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer when multiple options seem plausible.
Common synonyms like 'fatal', 'lethal', and 'mortal' are frequently used for clues implying a direct cause of death. However, be mindful of word length and intersecting letters, as the subtle differences between these words might be the precise differentiator a puzzle setter is looking for. Clues involving 'deadly' might also appear in a more metaphorical sense, describing something that is highly destructive or damaging in a non-literal way, or even a 'deadly sin' referring to one of the seven cardinal vices.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Always think beyond the most obvious definition. "Deadly" can mean fatal, but also highly skilled (e.g., a deadly shot) or exceedingly dull (e.g., deadly boring).
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. If 'FATAL' fits, but 'LETHAL' also seems right, count the spaces in your grid carefully.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from other clues. These will often confirm or rule out potential answers for "deadly."
- Think About Context: Is the puzzle themed? Does the clue fit a particular category (e.g., nature, emotions, actions)? This can narrow down the type of 'deadly' being implied.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'deadly' imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'deadly' often points to synonyms related to causing death, great harm, or being extremely dangerous or effective. Common answers include FATAL, LETHAL, MORTAL, or even words describing a very potent or effective item, like a 'deadly accurate' shot.
Are there common alternative meanings for 'deadly' in crosswords?
Yes, beyond literal death, 'deadly' can mean extremely intense (e.g., 'deadly serious'), very effective or skilled (e.g., 'deadly aim'), or even simply 'tedious' or 'boring' in some informal contexts, though this is less common in standard cryptic crosswords.
How can I distinguish between 'fatal' and 'lethal' in a crossword?
While often interchangeable, 'fatal' typically describes an outcome (e.g., a fatal wound), while 'lethal' describes the capacity to cause death (e.g., a lethal dose). The specific phrasing of the clue or intersecting letters can often provide the necessary hint to pick the correct word.