degrade crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "degrade" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "degrade crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SHAME: To cause someone to feel disgrace or humiliation.
TAINT: To contaminate or corrupt; to spoil the quality of something.
6 Letters
DEMEAN: To cause a severe loss in the dignity and respect for someone or something.
DEBASE: To reduce in quality or value; to lower in character or dignity.
IMPAIR: To weaken or damage something, especially a faculty or function.
7 Letters
CORRUPT: To cause someone or something to become morally depraved; to spoil or make rotten.
8 Letters
BELITTLE: To dismiss as unimportant; to make someone or something seem less significant.
More About "degrade crossword clue"
The term "degrade" in crossword puzzles often points to a range of meanings related to decline. This could involve a reduction in quality, status, or moral standing. When encountering this clue, it's essential to consider the context of the puzzle, including any intersecting letters, to determine the exact nuance intended by the puzzle setter.
Common themes associated with "degrade" include synonyms for "worsen," "spoil," "dishonor," or "lower." The answers provided above cover various lengths and interpretations, from the psychological impact of "SHAME" or "BELITTLE" to the more physical or moral decay implied by "CORRUPT" or "IMPAIR." Understanding these subtle differences can significantly aid in solving more challenging crosswords.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms Broadly: For clues like "degrade," don't just think of direct synonyms. Think of actions that lead to degradation, or states that are degraded. Words like "spoil," "ruin," or "erode" could also be potential answers depending on the context.
- Check Letter Count and Intersections: Always match your potential answer with the exact number of letters required. Use any intersecting letters from solved clues as vital hints to narrow down possibilities.
- Think of Prefixes/Suffixes: Sometimes, the clue might hint at a word with a prefix or suffix that implies degradation, e.g., 'de-' (as in 'degrade' itself), 'dis-', or '-tion' words indicating a process of decline.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "degrade" mean in a crossword puzzle context?
In crosswords, "degrade" often refers to synonyms for lowering in status, quality, or moral standing. Common answers include words like DEMEAN, DEBASE, SHAME, or BELITTLE, depending on the letter count and surrounding letters.
Are there common patterns for "degrade" clues?
Clues related to "degrade" might involve words indicating a loss of respect, a reduction in quality, or a process of decay. Look for answers that imply a lessening, an erosion, or a diminishing effect. Consider both active verbs (e.g., 'to make worse') and adjectives (e.g., 'low-quality').
How do I find the correct length for "degrade" answers?
The length of the answer is crucial. If you have intersecting letters, use those to narrow down possibilities. If not, try common synonyms for "degrade" at various lengths, such as five-letter words (SHAME, TAINT), six-letter words (DEMEAN, DEBASE), or longer ones like BELITTLE or CORRUPT. Use a thesaurus to brainstorm synonyms that fit the available spaces.