decays crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate guide for solving those tricky crossword clues! Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for "decays crossword clue," organized by letter count to help you quickly pinpoint the solution you need.
Solutions for "decays crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ROTS: To decompose or become putrid; often used for organic matter that spoils.
5 Letters
FADES: To lose freshness, color, or strength gradually; to diminish slowly.
6 Letters
ERODES: To wear away gradually, often by natural forces like wind or water, or by a slow internal process.
SPOILS: To damage or impair the quality of something; to become unfit for use or consumption, especially food.
WASTES: To diminish or be consumed gradually; to deteriorate over time, often through disuse or neglect.
9 Letters
ATROPHIES: To waste away or degenerate, particularly in the context of body tissue or organs due to disease or lack of use.
PUTREFIES: To decay or rot with a foul smell, often referring to organic matter undergoing decomposition.
More About "decays crossword clue"
"Decays" as a crossword clue is a versatile term that can point to a variety of answers, reflecting different types of decline or deterioration. From the biological process of rotting food to the gradual wearing away of a structure, understanding the context is key. Crossword setters often use 'decays' to prompt solvers to think about synonyms related to organic decomposition, erosion, or the general lessening of quality or strength over time.
When you encounter 'decays' in a crossword, consider the letter count first. A shorter answer might lead you to direct synonyms like ROTS, while longer answers could delve into more specific types of decay, such as ERODES for geological wear, FADES for color or memory, or even ATROPHIES for biological degeneration. Paying attention to any intersecting letters can quickly narrow down the possibilities and guide you to the precise word the setter has in mind.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Context: If 'decays' is paired with a clue about an old building, think about erosion. If it's about fruit, consider rotting. Context is king in crosswords.
- Check Letter Count: Always count the spaces available in the grid first. This will immediately eliminate many potential answers, guiding you towards the correct length.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting words to fill in the blanks. This is often the most critical step to confirm an answer for a tricky clue like 'decays'.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, 'decays' might lead to a two-word answer (e.g., 'falls apart'), though this is less common for single-word clues. Always check if the puzzle indicates a multi-word answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'decays' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'decays' typically refers to processes of decomposition, decline, or gradual wearing away. Answers often relate to biological rotting (like 'ROTS' or 'PUTREFIES'), or gradual deterioration (like 'FADES' or 'ERODES').
Are there common synonyms for 'decays' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include ROTS, ERODES, FADES, SPOILS, WASTES, and less frequently, PUTREFIES or ATROPHIES, depending on the specific nuance and letter count required by the puzzle.
How do I identify the correct length for 'decays' answers?
The correct length is determined by the number of empty squares in the crossword grid. Always count the available spaces for the answer. If 'decays' fits a 4-letter slot, 'ROTS' is likely. For 6 letters, 'ERODES' or 'SPOILS' might fit, and so on. Context from intersecting words is crucial.