harm or spoil crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving tricky crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and detailed explanations for the clue "harm or spoil," helping you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "harm or spoil crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MAR: To damage or deface, often slightly, impairing the appearance or value.
4 Letters
RUIN: To reduce to a state of decay, collapse, or disintegration; to damage beyond repair.
HARM: Physical injury or damage to something; to cause injury or damage.
5 Letters
SPOIL: To diminish or destroy the value or quality of; to impair the character of by overindulgence.
6 Letters
IMPAIR: To weaken or damage something (especially a human faculty or function); to make worse.
DAMAGE: Physical harm that impairs the value, usefulness, or normal function of something; to cause harm to.
DEFACE: To spoil the surface or appearance of something, typically by drawing or writing on it; to disfigure.
7 Letters
VITIATE: To spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of something; to corrupt or make legally invalid.
More About "harm or spoil crossword clue"
The clue "harm or spoil" is a common one in crosswords, often appearing in various forms to test a solver's vocabulary related to damage, deterioration, and destruction. These words cover a wide spectrum, from minor blemishes (like 'MAR') to complete destruction (like 'RUIN'). Understanding the nuances of these synonyms can greatly aid in selecting the correct answer when faced with limited crossing letters.
Crossword setters frequently use such broad clues to allow for multiple potential answers, making the exact solution dependent on the number of letters required or the context provided by other intersecting words. This type of clue encourages solvers to think beyond the most obvious synonyms and consider less common, but equally valid, terms like 'VITIATE' or 'DEFACE'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by checking the number of letters specified for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for clues like "harm or spoil."
- Check Intersecting Clues: The letters from solved crossing clues are your best friends. They will often eliminate incorrect synonyms and point you towards the precise word needed.
- Consider Nuance: While 'harm' and 'spoil' are broad, some synonyms carry specific connotations. For instance, 'DEFACE' implies surface damage, while 'VITIATE' often relates to quality or legal validity. Thinking about these subtle differences can unlock the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'harm or spoil' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'harm or spoil' acts as a synonym clue, leading to words that mean to damage, ruin, mar, or detract from the quality or integrity of something. Clues often use pairs of synonyms to give a broader hint.
Why are there so many possible answers for 'harm or spoil'?
Words like 'harm' and 'spoil' have many synonyms depending on the specific nuance (e.g., physical damage, moral corruption, aesthetic blemish). Crossword setters utilize this semantic breadth, and the correct answer often depends on the number of letters or crossing letters from other clues.
How can I figure out the correct answer if multiple words fit 'harm or spoil'?
The most effective way is to use the intersecting letters from other solved clues. Also, consider the specific context of the puzzle, if there is one. Sometimes, checking for less common synonyms or specific forms of the word (e.g., past tense, noun form) can help.