dreadful crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're grappling with the clue "dreadful" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with their letter counts and concise explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "dreadful crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DIRE: Indicating a serious, urgent, or terrible situation; fraught with disaster.
VILE: Extremely unpleasant; morally bad or wicked.
GRIM: Unpleasant, dismal, or forbidding in appearance or manner.
5 Letters
AWFUL: Extremely bad or unpleasant; inspiring dread or respect.
6 Letters
HORRID: Causing horror; dreadful; extremely unpleasant.
ROTTEN: Suffering from decay; corrupt or morally degenerate; very bad or unpleasant.
7 Letters
GHASTLY: Unpleasant or dreadful, particularly in appearance; horrifying.
8 Letters
TERRIBLE: Extremely bad or serious; causing terror or dread.
SHOCKING: Causing indignation, disgust, or astonishment; deeply disturbing.
10 Letters
LAMENTABLE: Deplorably bad or unsatisfactory; full of sorrow or grief.
More About "dreadful crossword clue"
"Dreadful" is a classic crossword clue that often elicits a sense of foreboding or extreme negativity. Crossword setters love to use such evocative adjectives because they offer a rich pool of synonyms across various lengths. When you encounter "dreadful," the key is to consider its many shades of meaning: from merely unpleasant to utterly terrifying or catastrophic.
This clue can also sometimes be a misdirection, hinting at a less obvious synonym or even a wordplay element. For instance, a "dreadful" situation might lead to "DIRE" consequences, while a "dreadful" look could be "GHASTLY." Always cross-reference with the number of letters and any intersecting words you've already confidently placed to narrow down the possibilities.
Understanding the common associations with "dreadful" – such as things that are horrible, awful, terrible, or even simply very bad – will significantly boost your chances of solving these types of clues quickly. Our comprehensive list above is designed to provide you with all the common answers and their respective lengths to make your crossword-solving experience smoother.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Always start by counting the boxes available for the answer. This immediately eliminates many possibilities for "dreadful" and similar clues.
- Look for Intersecting Clues: The most effective way to confirm an answer is by checking how it fits with other words that cross its path. Even one or two confirmed letters can make the correct answer for "dreadful" jump out.
- Consider Nuance & Context: While "dreadful" is generally negative, its exact synonym can vary. Is it dreadful in appearance (GHASTLY)? In its consequences (DIRE)? Or just generally bad (AWFUL)? Think about the broader theme or type of crossword puzzle you are solving.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, a "dreadful" clue might hide a less common synonym or involve a pun. If the common answers aren't fitting, ponder less direct interpretations of the word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 'dreadful' crossword clue usually imply?
A 'dreadful' crossword clue typically points to answers that convey a strong sense of negativity, such as terrible, horrible, awful, or dire. It can refer to something causing fear or dread, or simply an extremely unpleasant quality, event, or situation. The precise nuance often depends on the specific crossword and its setter's style.
Are there common synonyms for 'dreadful' frequently used in crosswords?
Yes, several common synonyms for 'dreadful' appear repeatedly in crosswords. These include AWFUL, HORRID, TERRIBLE, DIRE, VILE, GHASTLY, ROTTEN, and GRIM. The correct answer will always depend on the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you already have filled in.
How do I approach a 'dreadful' clue if I'm stuck?
If you're stuck on a 'dreadful' clue, first consider the number of letters required. Then, think of various synonyms for 'dreadful' that fit that length. Pay close attention to any intersecting letters, as these are crucial for narrowing down the possibilities. Sometimes, 'dreadful' might be part of a pun or a more complex wordplay, so consider alternative meanings or common phrases.