exhaust crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the clue "exhaust"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "exhaust crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SAP: To drain or weaken someone's strength, energy, or resources.
TAX: To put a heavy burden or strain upon, often leading to a feeling of being worn out.
4 Letters
TIRE: To make weary or to deplete energy from someone or something.
5 Letters
DRAIN: To use up completely, especially resources, energy, or a supply of something.
WEARY: To make extremely tired; to cause to lose enthusiasm or interest.
SPEND: To use up or consume, often implying the full utilization of a resource, leading to its depletion.
7 Letters
DEPLETE: To use up the supply or resources of something, causing it to run out or become exhausted.
FATIGUE: To cause someone to experience extreme tiredness, often as a result of physical or mental exertion.
More About "exhaust crossword clue"
"Exhaust" is a versatile word in crosswords, often appearing with multiple meanings, making it a challenging but rewarding clue. Its most common usage relates to making someone extremely tired or using up a supply of something completely. This can involve physical exertion, mental strain, or the consumption of resources. Therefore, common synonyms like TIRE, DRAIN, DEPLETE, and FATIGUE are frequent answers.
Less commonly, "exhaust" might refer to the fumes or waste gases expelled from an engine or machine. In such cases, answers might relate to EMISSIONS or FUMES, though this is less frequent than the 'weary' or 'deplete' meanings. Always consider the context of the clue, including any surrounding words or indicators of part of speech, to determine the intended meaning.
The clue can also be used figuratively, for instance, exhausting an argument or a topic, meaning to discuss it fully until nothing more can be said. Understanding these nuances helps in selecting the correct answer from the various possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms broadly: "Exhaust" doesn't just mean tired. Think of "using up," "draining," "overburdening," or even "issuing forth" (as in fumes).
- Check the letter count first: Once you have a few potential synonyms in mind, immediately check if any of them match the number of letters required by the grid. This can quickly narrow down your options.
- Look for context clues: If "exhaust" is part of a longer clue, pay attention to the surrounding words. Is it "exhaust energy" (verb) or "car exhaust" (noun)? This often reveals the precise meaning intended by the setter.
- Don't be afraid to leave it and come back: If you're stuck on "exhaust," fill in other answers first. Solving surrounding clues often provides intersecting letters that will make "exhaust" much easier to solve.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "exhaust" usually mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "exhaust" commonly refers to making someone very tired or using something up completely. It can be a verb (to tire, to drain, to deplete) or, less frequently, a noun referring to the emissions from an engine. The context of the clue will usually indicate which meaning is intended.
How can I tell if "exhaust" is a verb or a noun in a crossword clue?
Context is key. If the clue implies an action (e.g., "Tire out," "Use up"), it's likely a verb. If it hints at a substance or part of a machine (e.g., "Engine emission," "Tailpipe output"), it's probably a noun. Pay attention to the part of speech implied by the surrounding words in the clue.
Are there common wordplay techniques used with "exhaust" clues?
Yes, "exhaust" clues might use wordplay. For instance, a clue could pun on the sound (homophone) of 'exhaust' (e.g., 'ex-horse' could cryptically lead to a word related to being tired). More broadly, clues might involve anagrams or hidden words, though these are less typical for 'exhaust' itself, they are always possibilities in cryptic crosswords.