expiate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "expiate crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "expiate crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ATONE: To make amends or reparations, often for a sin or fault.
PURGE: To cleanse, especially of sin or guilt; to rid of something unwanted.
6 Letters
REDEEM: To compensate for the faults or bad aspects of something; to make amends.
7 Letters
CLEANSE: To make thoroughly clean; metaphorically, to purify from guilt or sin.
More About "expiate crossword clue"
The verb "expiate" means to make amends or reparation for (guilt or wrongdoing); to atone for. In the context of crosswords, clues involving "expiate" often point to words that signify concepts of repentance, purification, or making amends. This can sometimes involve religious or moral connotations, making it a nuanced clue for solvers.
Understanding the core meaning of "expiate" as an act of remedying or absolving guilt is key to identifying potential answers. Look for synonyms that convey the idea of paying a penalty, making up for a wrong, or being freed from blame through an action. The various letter counts presented above offer a range of possibilities, from concise verbs like ATONE to more descriptive ones like CLEANSE.
Keep in mind that crossword constructors love to play with synonyms and less common definitions. While the primary sense of "expiate" is about atonement, sometimes a clue might lean into the idea of "purifying" or "cleansing" a record or a soul, which broadens the pool of potential answers. Always consider the precise number of letters needed and any crossing letters you may already have filled in.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: For clues like "expiate," brainstorm all possible synonyms, even those with slight semantic differences, as crossword setters often use a wide range.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters in your potential answer against the required count. This is often the first filter for many solutions.
- Use Crossing Letters: Leverage any letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. These are crucial for confirming or eliminating potential answers for "expiate crossword clue."
- Think Beyond Direct Definitions: Sometimes, clues point to a related concept or a less common usage of a word. For "expiate," consider words that imply the *result* of expiation (e.g., being clean, redeemed).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a common 5-letter answer for 'expiate crossword clue'?
A common 5-letter answer for 'expiate' is ATONE, which directly means to make amends or reparation.
Can 'purify' be an answer for 'expiate'?
While 'purify' implies cleansing, which is related to expiation (cleansing of sin/guilt), the most direct synonym for 'expiate' is typically ATONE or REDEEM. However, PURGE or CLEANSE (7 letters) are strong candidates that fit the 'purify' sense of expiation.
How do I approach a crossword clue if I don't know the exact meaning?
If you don't know the exact meaning, first try to deduce it from the surrounding words in the clue (if any), or consider homophones/puns if it's a cryptic clue. For standard clues, think of broader categories the word might belong to, and then brainstorm related concepts or synonyms that fit the letter count.