expunge crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all the possible solutions for the crossword clue "expunge crossword clue", complete with explanations to help you understand the context and solve your puzzle with ease. Let's find your answer!
Solutions for "expunge crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ERASE: To completely remove or rub out something written or recorded.
6 Letters
DELETE: To remove or efface (data, a record, etc.) from a computer or other storage medium.
REMOVE: To take away or get rid of something.
CANCEL: To decide or announce that a planned event will not take place or that a contract will be annulled.
STRIKE: To hit forcibly; also used as in "strike out" to remove a name from a list.
10 Letters
OBLITERATE: To destroy utterly; wipe out.
More About "expunge crossword clue"
"Expunge" is a verb that means to erase or remove completely, particularly something unwelcome or unpleasant. In legal contexts, it refers to the process of officially removing a criminal record from a person's file, as if it never existed. This act of complete eradication makes it a fertile ground for crossword clues, often requiring synonyms that convey a sense of thorough deletion or destruction.
When you encounter "expunge" in a crossword, think about words that imply wiping away, effacing, or making something vanish without a trace. The clue might be straightforward, asking for a direct synonym, or it could be more cryptic, hinting at the idea of removal in a less obvious way. The range of possible answers, from shorter words like ERASE to longer ones like OBLITERATE, depends on the grid's constraints and the nuance the setter intends.
Understanding the core meaning of "expunge" – to utterly destroy or remove – is key to unlocking its crossword potential. It’s a word that suggests finality in its action, which is a common theme in clues related to deletion or eradication across various puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always check the number of boxes provided. This is your most crucial hint. For "expunge," potential answers range widely, so the length immediately narrows down possibilities.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think about words that mean the same as "expunge" (erase, delete, remove) but also their opposites or words associated with their effect (creation, addition). Sometimes cryptic clues will play on these relationships.
- Look for Context Clues: Does the clue have any other words that hint at a specific field (e.g., "legal record expunged") or a particular type of removal (e.g., "data expunged")? This can help you choose the most fitting synonym.
- Use Cross-References: If you have a few letters from intersecting words, use them to confirm or deny potential answers. This is especially helpful for longer words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'expunge' mean in the context of a crossword?
In crosswords, 'expunge' typically refers to the act of erasing, deleting, or removing something completely, often a record, a name from a list, or an idea from memory. Common answers include ERASE, DELETE, REMOVE, or OBLITERATE.
How can I find synonyms for 'expunge' to help with my crossword?
To find synonyms for 'expunge,' consider words that mean to 'wipe out,' 'efface,' 'cancel,' or 'get rid of.' Think about the context the clue might imply – is it about documents, memories, or physical removal? Online thesauruses and crossword dictionaries can be very helpful.
What are common letter counts for 'expunge' related answers?
Answers for 'expunge' often range from 5 to 10 letters. Common lengths include 5-letter words like ERASE, 6-letter words such as DELETE or REMOVE, and longer words like OBLITERATE (10 letters). The length often depends on the specific nuance of the clue or the available spaces in the grid.