dried up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "dried up crossword clue" and need a quick solution, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "dried up crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ARID: Meaning extremely dry or parched. Often used for land or climate.
GONE: Can imply something has vanished or been used up entirely, thus 'dried up' in a metaphorical sense.
SERE: An older term for dry and withered, especially applied to vegetation.
7 Letters
PARCHED: Very dry, especially from heat; often used for land or a person's throat.
8 Letters
WITHERED: Implies something has become dry and shrunken, especially plants losing freshness.
10 Letters
DESICCATED: A more formal or technical term for thoroughly dried, having all moisture removed.
More About "dried up crossword clue"
"Dried up" is a versatile clue in crosswords, often pointing to literal states of desiccation but equally capable of referring to metaphorical concepts. Literally, it can describe environments like deserts (ARID), plants that have lost moisture (WITHERED, SERE), or bodies of water that have evaporated (PARCHED). These answers typically relate to a lack of water or moisture.
On the metaphorical front, "dried up" can signify something that has run out, is exhausted, or has ceased to exist or function due to a lack of resources, ideas, or funds (e.g., GONE). Understanding the specific context of the puzzle – whether it's looking for a descriptive adjective for a physical state or a verb for a metaphorical depletion – is key to selecting the correct answer among the possible synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the exact number of letters required by the grid. This immediately narrows down the pool of potential answers for "dried up."
- Look at Crossing Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. These are crucial for confirming or eliminating possible solutions like ARID vs. SERE.
- Consider Nuance: "Dried up" can mean different things. Does the clue suggest a plant (WITHERED, SERE), a landscape (ARID, PARCHED), or a resource (GONE)? The context often provides the strongest hint.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes clues have a metaphorical twist. While 'dried up' often means physically dry, consider if it's hinting at something that has ceased to be or produce.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'dried up' typically refer to in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'dried up' most commonly refers to a state of being extremely dry or parched, like a riverbed or a plant. However, it can also metaphorically imply something that has ceased to exist, run out, or become exhausted, such as funds or ideas.
Are there common synonyms for 'dried up' that often appear in puzzles?
Yes, common synonyms frequently encountered in puzzles include ARID, PARCHED, SERE, WITHERED, and sometimes DESICCATED. The specific context of the clue, combined with the number of letters, helps in identifying the correct solution.
How do I know which 'dried up' answer is correct for my puzzle?
To determine the correct answer, first, count the required number of letters for the solution. Next, examine any crossing letters you have already filled in, as these will significantly narrow down the possibilities. Also, pay attention to the exact wording and nuance of the clue for subtle hints.