decreased crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most common and accurate solutions for the crossword clue "decreased crossword clue", categorized by their letter count. We provide clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "decreased crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FELL: Dropped or moved downwards, indicating a decrease in level or value.
7 Letters
REDUCED: To make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
8 Letters
LESSENED: Made less or smaller in amount, degree, or intensity.
More About "decreased crossword clue"
"Decreased" is a versatile word in crosswords, often appearing in clues that hint at a reduction in size, quantity, intensity, or value. Clues might range from direct synonyms like "made smaller" to more evocative phrases such as "took a dive" or "shrank". Understanding the context of the puzzle – whether it's financial, physical, or emotional – can greatly assist in pinpointing the correct answer.
Common answers for "decreased" frequently include words like REDUCED, LESSENED, FELL, DROPPED, SHRINK, LOWERED, or DWINDLED. The key is to match the number of letters you need with a suitable synonym. Crossword setters love to play with different tenses too; "decreasing" might lead to a gerund answer, while "decreased" points to a past tense verb or adjective.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always consider the overall theme or specific wording of the clue. Is "decreased" referring to a sound, a number, a size, or an emotion? This will narrow down your options significantly.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Start by listing synonyms of "decreased" and then filter them by the required length.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Sometimes, the clue implies a decrease, but the answer is a direct synonym of "decrease" itself, or even an antonym if the clue is tricky (e.g., "not increased").
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Many synonyms for "decreased" are phrasal verbs (e.g., "went down," "cut back"). If the letter count is high, look for multi-word answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'decreased' mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'decreased' typically indicates a word meaning made smaller, fewer, or lower, often referring to size, quantity, intensity, or level. Synonyms like 'reduced', 'shrunk', 'fell', or 'lowered' are common answers.
Are there common abbreviations for 'decreased' in crossword clues?
While 'decreased' itself isn't commonly an abbreviated answer, clues might sometimes use abbreviations like 'Decr.' or similar shorthand within the clue text to hint at a word meaning 'decrease'.
How can I find a 'decreased' answer if I have only a few letters?
If you have only a few letters, consider short, impactful synonyms like FELL, SANK, WENT DOWN, or ATES (as in 'ates into profits'). Always check the context of the surrounding clue or puzzle theme for additional hints.