discontinue crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "discontinue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "discontinue crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
END: To bring something to a halt or conclusion.
4 Letters
HALT: To stop, especially a movement or activity.
STOP: To cease an action or movement.
5 Letters
CEASE: To bring or come to an end.
SCRAP: To abandon or cancel a plan or project.
6 Letters
CANCEL: To officially announce that something previously arranged will not happen.
7 Letters
ABANDON: To give up completely a course of action or a practice.
SUSPEND: To temporarily prevent from continuing or being enforced.
9 Letters
TERMINATE: To bring to an end.
More About "discontinue crossword clue"
The clue "discontinue" is a classic in the world of crosswords, often appearing in various forms to test a solver's vocabulary related to stopping, ending, or ceasing an activity or process. It's a versatile clue that can lead to short, common answers like 'END' or 'STOP,' or longer, more formal terms such as 'TERMINATE' or 'ABANDON'. The specific context of the puzzle, and especially any intersecting letters, will be your best guide to the correct solution.
When you encounter 'discontinue,' think about the nuances of stopping. Is it a temporary halt (like SUSPEND), a definitive end (like CEASE or TERMINATE), or an abandonment of a plan (like SCRAP or CANCEL)? Considering these subtle differences can often point you towards the precise word the puzzle constructor had in mind, especially in more challenging cryptic crosswords where wordplay is key.
Always cross-reference with surrounding clues to confirm your answer. Even if an answer fits the letter count for "discontinue," it must also make sense with the letters provided by other completed words in the grid. This iterative process of deduction is what makes crossword solving so engaging and rewarding.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always filter potential answers by the number of letters in the answer slot. This immediately narrows down your options.
- Use Intersecting Letters: The most crucial tip. Fill in letters from solved crossing words to reveal parts of the "discontinue" answer, often making the solution obvious.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "discontinue," brainstorm a wide range of synonyms. Sometimes, a clue might also be a cryptic hint for an antonym, though less common for direct clues like this.
- Check for Homophones or Puns (for Cryptics): If you're doing a cryptic crossword, "discontinue" might sound like something else or involve a play on words related to stopping.
- Look for Context Clues: Does the clue appear with other words that hint at a specific domain (e.g., business, legal, daily life)? This can help you choose the most appropriate synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'discontinue' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'discontinue' typically clues words meaning to stop, cease, end, or abandon. The exact answer will depend on the number of letters and any intersecting letters you might have.
Are there common synonyms for 'discontinue' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include END, STOP, HALT, CEASE, QUIT, CANCEL, ABANDON, and TERMINATE. The clue might also imply a specific type of discontinuation, like 'SCRAP' for a project or 'SUSPEND' for an activity.
How can I find the correct 'discontinue' answer when multiple options fit the length?
Always use intersecting letters from other solved clues to narrow down the possibilities. Also, consider the style of the crossword puzzle (e.g., cryptic vs. standard) as this can influence the subtlety of the clueing.