diabolical crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below, you'll find comprehensive solutions for the "diabolical crossword clue" to help you complete your puzzle. We've compiled a list of possible answers, sorted by length, along with brief explanations to guide you.
Solutions for "diabolical crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EVIL: Profoundly immoral and wicked, often associated with the devil.
5 Letters
CRUEL: Causing pain or suffering without concern for others.
6 Letters
WICKED: Evil or morally wrong; often used to describe something mischievous or malevolent.
7 Letters
DEMONIC: Characteristic of demons or evil spirits; devilish.
8 Letters
FIENDISH: Cruel, unpleasant, or devilish in nature, often referring to a cunning or malevolent act.
INFERNAL: Relating to hell or the underworld; can also mean extremely annoying or unpleasant.
10 Letters
MALEVOLENT: Having or showing a wish to do evil to others; ill-wishing.
More About "diabolical crossword clue"
"Diabolical" is a potent word in the English language, deriving from the Greek "diabolos" meaning "slanderer" or "devil." In common usage, it describes something characteristic of a devil, suggesting extreme evil, wickedness, or cruelty. This makes it a fascinating and often challenging clue for crossword setters, as its synonyms range from direct descriptors of malevolence to more nuanced terms implying extreme difficulty or cunning.
When "diabolical" appears in a crossword, solvers should consider its various connotations. Beyond just "evil" or "wicked," it can point towards solutions like "fiendish," which suggests a cunning and malicious quality, or "infernal," directly referencing hell. Sometimes, setters might use it to describe a puzzle itself as "diabolical," implying it is exceedingly difficult or tricky, thereby broadening the potential answer pool.
Understanding the layers of meaning behind such a clue is key to unlocking the puzzle. Always think about context: Is the clue referring to a person, an act, or even a challenge? This careful consideration helps in navigating the diverse possibilities that "diabolical" can present in the world of crosswords.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For clues like "diabolical," brainstorm direct synonyms first. Then, think if the clue could be an antonym of something, perhaps indicated by a qualifier in the clue.
- Check letter counts carefully: Always double-check the required letter count. Many "diabolical" synonyms exist, and getting the length right is crucial for fitting it into the grid.
- Look at surrounding letters: If you've filled in a few letters around the "diabolical" clue, use them as anchors. This can significantly narrow down the possible solutions and help you see patterns.
- Think of the "pun" or "trick": Sometimes, "diabolical" might not mean literal evil, but rather a "diabolical" or extremely tricky puzzle. Consider answers that imply complexity or cunning.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I approach a "diabolical" clue if I'm stuck?
If "diabolical" has you stumped, first consider its core meanings: extremely evil, fiendish, or terribly difficult. Look for synonyms with various letter counts. Also, check for any surrounding letters you might have filled in, as these can help narrow down the possibilities. Don't be afraid to try common crossword answer patterns related to evil or difficulty.
Are there common alternative meanings for "diabolical" in crosswords?
While "diabolical" primarily means evil or devilish, it can also imply something extremely clever, cunning, or difficult to solve (like a "diabolical puzzle"). Be open to answers that denote trickery, complexity, or intense challenge, not just pure malevolence.
Why is "diabolical" a common crossword clue?
"Diabolical" is popular in crosswords because it has many synonyms across various letter lengths (evil, wicked, fiendish, infernal, cruel, malevolent). Its rich meaning, spanning from pure evil to mischievous difficulty, allows setters flexibility in creating challenging yet fair clues.