dismay crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "dismay crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, complete with explanations and categorized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "dismay crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
UPSET: To cause distress or unhappiness.
ALARM: A sudden feeling of fear and distress.
SHOCK: A sudden, disturbing impression or experience.
APPAL: To fill with dismay or horror.
6 Letters
HORROR: An intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust.
7 Letters
CHAGRIN: Distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated.
DESPAIR: The complete loss or absence of hope.
8 Letters
DISTRESS: Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
More About "dismay crossword clue"
The word "dismay" signifies a feeling of consternation and distress, often caused by something unexpected. In the world of crosswords, clues featuring "dismay" can lead to a variety of answers, reflecting its nuances as both a noun (a feeling of disappointment or worry) and a verb (to cause someone to feel distressed).
Crossword setters frequently use synonyms of "dismay" to create challenging yet fair clues. Answers like UPSET, ALARM, or SHOCK capture the essence of a sudden negative emotional reaction, while words such as CHAGRIN or DESPAIR delve into deeper feelings of disappointment or hopelessness. The exact answer will depend on the specific puzzle's length requirements and the subtle context provided by other words in the clue.
Understanding the different shades of meaning for "dismay" is key to successfully cracking these types of clues. Whether it implies a mild surprise or profound sorrow, identifying the precise emotional intensity often helps narrow down the possibilities. Always consider the length of the blank in your grid and how it aligns with potential synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters in the potential answer to the number of spaces in your grid. This is your primary filter.
- Analyze Part of Speech: Is "dismay" used as a noun (a feeling) or a verb (to cause a feeling)? This distinction can rule out many incorrect answers. For instance, "causes dismay" hints at a verb like APPAL, while "feeling of dismay" points to a noun like HORROR.
- Look for Context Clues: Check if the clue uses other words that hint at the intensity or specific type of dismay (e.g., "deep dismay" might suggest DESPAIR, while "sudden dismay" might point to SHOCK).
- Use Cross-References: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to quickly identify the correct "dismay" synonym from the possible answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "dismay" typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "dismay" often points to feelings of alarm, distress, or a sudden sense of disappointment. Clues might hint at a cause for concern or a negative emotional reaction, reflecting a state of being upset or shocked.
Are there common synonyms for "dismay" used in puzzles?
Yes, common synonyms that frequently appear as answers for "dismay" include UPSET, ALARM, SHOCK, APPAL, HORROR, CHAGRIN, and DESPAIR. The required length of the answer will guide which synonym fits the puzzle.
How can I tell if "dismay" means a verb or a noun in the clue?
Pay close attention to the clue's phrasing. If it's phrased like "Cause dismay" or "To dismay," it likely indicates a verb form of the answer. If it's "Feeling of dismay" or "Sense of dismay," it suggests a noun. Matching the part of speech is crucial in crossword solving.