What are common synonyms for 'impair' in crosswords?

Common synonyms for 'impair' found in crosswords often include words like HARM, HURT, MAR, SPOIL, DAMAGE, WEAKEN, and DEBILITATE. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required for the puzzle.

How does the clue 'impair' relate to other similar crossword clues?

The clue 'impair' belongs to a family of clues related to damage, deterioration, or reduction in quality. Other similar clues might be 'cause damage', 'lessen the quality of', or 'make worse'. Understanding this semantic field helps you anticipate related answers.

Can 'impair' ever have a non-negative connotation in a crossword?

In the context of crosswords, 'impair' almost exclusively carries a negative connotation, referring to something being damaged, weakened, or made less effective. It's highly unlikely to appear with a positive or neutral meaning in a puzzle.

impair crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the 'impair' crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently. Discover the perfect word to fit your grid below!

Solutions for "impair crossword clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

MAR: To damage or spoil something, rendering it less perfect or appealing.

4 Letters

HARM: To cause physical or emotional injury or damage.

5 Letters

SPOIL: To diminish or destroy the value or quality of.

6 Letters

DAMAGE: Physical harm that impairs the value, usefulness, or normal function of something.

WEAKEN: To make or become weaker in strength, value, or intensity.

11 Letters

DETERIORATE: To become progressively worse; to decline in quality or character.

More About "impair crossword clue"

The word "impair" is a verb that means to weaken or damage something, especially a faculty or function. In crosswords, it's a common clue for answers that relate to causing harm, reducing effectiveness, or making something worse. Depending on the context and the number of letters, the solution can range from simple, direct synonyms to more nuanced terms.

Understanding the various shades of meaning for 'impair' is key to solving related crossword clues. For instance, 'impair eyesight' might lead to answers like DIM or BLUR, while 'impair a reputation' could suggest STAIN or TARNISH. Our comprehensive list aims to cover the most frequent solutions you'll encounter in daily puzzles, cryptic crosswords, and more advanced challenges.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider the Connotation: 'Impair' always implies a negative change. Think of words that signify worsening, damaging, or reducing quality.
Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters filled in, use them as a guide. Our categorized lists make it easy to find words that fit the pattern.
Think of Contextual Synonyms: Sometimes, the answer isn't a direct synonym but a word that describes the result of impairing something in a specific context (e.g., 'cripple' for physical impairment).

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'impair' typically mean in crossword puzzles?

In crossword puzzles, 'impair' typically means to damage, weaken, or diminish the quality or effectiveness of something. It often points to answers like HARM, SPOIL, or DAMAGE.

Are there any tricky or cryptic uses of 'impair' as a clue?

While 'impair' itself is fairly straightforward, cryptic clues might use it in a more metaphorical sense or as part of a wordplay. For example, "A bad repair can impair (5)" might lead to 'SPOIL' if the wordplay suggests 'S' (a bad) + 'POIL' (part of repair).

How do I differentiate between answers like HARM and DAMAGE for 'impair'?

Both HARM and DAMAGE are valid answers. The differentiation usually comes down to the letter count required by the puzzle. HARM is 4 letters, while DAMAGE is 6 letters. The specific context of the puzzle might also subtly hint at one over the other.