destructive crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "destructive crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by length, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "destructive crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RUIN: To damage something so badly that it is no longer usable or valuable.
5 Letters
WRECK: To destroy or severely damage (a vehicle, building, or other structure).
FATAL: Causing death or leading to failure or ruin.
7 Letters
HARMFUL: Causing or likely to cause harm.
RUINOUS: Causing or tending to cause ruin; disastrous.
8 Letters
DAMAGING: Causing harm or injury.
9 Letters
CORROSIVE: Tending to cause corrosion; damaging by chemical action.
11 Letters
DEVASTATING: Highly destructive or damaging.
More About "destructive crossword clue"
"Destructive" is a common and versatile clue in crosswords, often pointing to words that describe damage, decay, ruin, or anything that causes significant harm. The context of the puzzle, such as whether it's a cryptic or standard crossword, can often narrow down the possible interpretations. For instance, a clue might refer to physical destruction (like a hurricane being destructive) or more abstract forms of destruction (like destructive criticism).
When encountering such a clue, consider the various facets of "destruction." It could refer to an action (e.g., 'wrecking', 'eroding'), an adjective describing something that causes harm (e.g., 'corrosive', 'harmful'), or even a noun representing the state of being destroyed (e.g., 'ruin'). The number of letters provided in the grid is always your most crucial guide, helping to filter out many incorrect possibilities.
Crossword setters love to play with synonyms and related concepts. "Destructive" could be a direct synonym clue, or it could be part of a wordplay clue where "destructive" describes a word's sound, structure, or components. Always keep an open mind and be ready to think laterally when tackling such clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: Does "destructive" imply physical damage, emotional harm, or perhaps a process of decay? Understanding the specific shade of meaning can help you choose between similar synonyms.
- Consider Word Length: Use the exact number of letters in the answer grid as your primary filter. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and guides your thought process towards words of the correct length.
- Look for Suffixes/Prefixes: Many words related to destruction share common prefixes (like 'de-', 'dis-') or suffixes (like '-ing', '-ive'). If you have a few letters, these patterns can often reveal the answer.
- Check Cross-References: If you've filled in intersecting words, those letters are invaluable hints. Use them to confirm or narrow down your choices for the "destructive" clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "destructive" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "destructive" often points to words describing damage, ruin, or things that cause harm, such as "ERODE," "WRECK," or "RUINOUS." It can be literal or figurative, referring to physical damage or negative impacts on ideas, relationships, or systems.
How do I identify the correct answer for a "destructive" clue?
To pinpoint the right answer, consider the number of letters required, the surrounding letters you've already filled in, and common synonyms for 'destructive' in various contexts. Think about words describing physical decay, moral corruption, or things that cause significant harm or loss.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for "destructive" words?
Words related to destruction frequently use prefixes like 'de-' (as in 'destroy,' 'decompose') or 'dis-' (like 'dismantle,' 'disrupt'). Suffixes such as '-ing' (e.g., 'damaging,' 'eroding') or '-ive' (like 'corrosive,' 'invasive') are also common indicators of destructive actions or qualities.