defeat utterly crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "defeat utterly" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your grid.
Solutions for "defeat utterly crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ROUT: To defeat an opponent completely and decisively, causing them to retreat in disorder.
5 Letters
CRUSH: To defeat or overcome someone or something completely, often implying overwhelming force.
SMASH: To utterly defeat an opponent, especially in a game or competition.
7 Letters
WIPEOUT: To completely destroy or eliminate, especially in a sporting context or a general sense of total defeat.
9 Letters
OVERWHELM: To defeat completely by superior force or numbers.
10 Letters
ANNIHILATE: To destroy utterly; to reduce to utter ruin or nonexistence.
OBLITERATE: To destroy utterly; wipe out, especially by rubbing out or erasing.
More About "defeat utterly crossword clue"
"Defeat utterly" is a classic crossword clue that requires solvers to think about synonyms for complete destruction, overwhelming victory, or total obliteration. These clues often appear in various puzzle types, from daily quick crosswords to more complex cryptic ones, making understanding the nuances of such strong verbs crucial.
The key to solving this clue lies in the word "utterly," which signals that the answer must convey a sense of finality and completeness. Words like "rout" and "crush" imply a thorough victory, leaving no doubt about the outcome. Longer answers such as "annihilate" or "obliterate" push this concept further, suggesting total destruction or eradication.
Puzzle setters love these types of clues because they allow for multiple correct answers based on the context of the puzzle grid and the specific number of letters required. Always consider the precise meaning of the synonyms and how they fit the broader theme or tone of the crossword.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always double-check the number of available squares in the grid. This is the first and most critical step, as it immediately narrows down your options.
- Consider Synonyms and Intensifiers: For clues like "defeat utterly," think of synonyms for both "defeat" and "utterly." The intensifier "utterly" is a big hint that the answer will be a strong verb.
- Look for Common Crossword Patterns: Certain words appear frequently in crosswords due to their useful letter combinations or multiple meanings. Familiarize yourself with these crossword mainstays.
- Context is Key: Pay attention to any other words in the clue (e.g., "defeat utterly, say") or how the solution might interact with surrounding words in the grid. Sometimes, the overall theme of the puzzle can also offer hints.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best strategy for solving "defeat utterly" crossword clues?
When tackling "defeat utterly" clues, consider the word length first. Shorter answers often include ROUT or CRUSH, while longer ones might be ANNIHILATE or OBLITERATE. Think about synonyms for absolute destruction or overwhelming victory.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers with different lengths?
Crossword clues often have multiple answers because the English language is rich with synonyms. Depending on the surrounding letters in the grid, different synonyms of varying lengths might fit the same clue. For 'defeat utterly', words like ROUT, CRUSH, and ANNIHILATE all convey a similar meaning but have different letter counts.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes related to "defeat utterly" in crosswords?
While not specific prefixes/suffixes, clues involving 'utterly' often point to words with strong, definitive actions. Look for verbs that imply complete and final results. Sometimes, adding 'OUT' to a verb (like 'WIPEOUT') can also fit the 'utterly' aspect of the clue.