departed crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "departed crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and effortlessly.
Solutions for "departed crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
OFF: As in to 'set off' or 'be off', meaning to depart.
4 Letters
GONE: A very common answer, meaning to have left a place or state.
LEFT: To have moved away from a location or person.
DIED: A frequent, often cryptic, meaning in crosswords for 'departed from life'.
AWAY: Indicating movement from a place; to be 'away' from here.
6 Letters
PASSED: Often used as 'passed away', meaning to have died.
ABSENT: Not present in a place; departed from it.
7 Letters
EXPIRED: Can mean to have died (as a life or a person) or to have come to an end (as a time period).
8 Letters
VANISHED: To have disappeared suddenly and completely, implying departure.
More About "departed crossword clue"
"Departed" is a versatile word that can trick even seasoned crossword solvers due to its dual primary meanings. It can signify someone or something that has left a physical location, or more somberly, someone who has passed away. Crossword setters often play on this ambiguity, so always consider the number of letters and any other intersecting words to guide your choice.
Common answers like GONE and LEFT directly refer to physical absence, while DIED and PASSED (often implying "passed away") point to the end of life. Cryptic clues might use "departed" to indicate a word fragment that has left a larger word, or even a letter that has been removed. Understanding the context provided by the clue's other words is paramount. For instance, a clue involving a journey or a starting point will lean towards answers about leaving, whereas a clue with a more final or reflective tone will suggest death.
Always cross-reference with surrounding letters and clues. The best way to confirm an answer for "departed" is when it fits perfectly with the letters from other solved words, making the ambiguity vanish like a departed ghost!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: For "departed," notice if the clue has a lighthearted tone (indicating leaving) or a serious, final tone (indicating death).
- Check Letter Count First: Before anything else, see how many letters the answer needs. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Many words have a limited set of common crossword answers. For "departed," think of GONE, LEFT, DIED, PASSED, EXPIRED.
- Look for Homophones or Puns: Sometimes "departed" might be a sound-alike clue. For example, "de-parted" might mean something has been divided or separated.
- Utilize Intersecting Words: The most reliable method is to use letters from answers to intersecting clues. These confirmed letters will help you fill in the blanks for "departed" with certainty.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common interpretations of 'departed' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'departed' most commonly refers to leaving a place (e.g., GONE, LEFT, AWAY) or, more subtly, to having died (e.g., PASSED, EXPIRED, DIED). Context clues are crucial for determining the correct meaning.
How can I distinguish between 'departed' meaning left and 'departed' meaning died?
Look for accompanying words. If the clue mentions a location or journey, it likely means 'left'. If it has a more somber or final tone, or refers to a person's state, it might mean 'died'. The number of letters can also guide you to specific common answers like GONE or PASSED.
Are there any less common answers for 'departed'?
Yes, depending on the setter's style, 'departed' could lead to answers like 'OFF' (as in 'set off'), 'AWAY', 'FLOWN', or even more abstract terms implying a disappearance or end, such as 'VANISHED' or 'CEASED'.