malicious crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the 'malicious' crossword clue and need a hand, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct answer for your puzzle.
Solutions for "malicious crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EVIL: Characterized by profound immorality, wickedness, and the desire to cause harm.
MEAN: Intending or intended to do harm; unkind or spiteful.
5 Letters
NASTY: Unpleasant, unkind, or malevolent in nature.
CRUEL: Willfully causing pain or suffering to others, or feeling no concern about it.
6 Letters
WICKED: Morally bad or evil; intending to harm or deceive.
BITTER: Having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; feeling or showing strong animosity.
8 Letters
SPITEFUL: Showing or caused by malice; intending to annoy or harm someone.
VENOMOUS: Secreting venom; full of malice or spite.
10 Letters
VINDICTIVE: Having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge.
MALEVOLENT: Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.
More About "malicious crossword clue"
The term 'malicious' in crossword puzzles often acts as a direct synonym clue, guiding solvers to words that express ill will, harmful intent, or a desire to cause pain or suffering. These clues tap into a broad vocabulary related to negative emotions and actions, ranging from simple adjectives like 'evil' or 'nasty' to more nuanced terms like 'vindictive' or 'malevolent'. Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms can be crucial for selecting the exact word needed.
Crossword setters love using words like 'malicious' because they offer multiple valid answers depending on the required length. This variability means that if one answer doesn't fit with your crossing letters, another might be a perfect match. Always consider the context of the puzzle, the tone of other clues, and the particular crossword setter's style, as some may prefer more direct synonyms while others might opt for more obscure or literary alternatives.
When you encounter 'malicious' or similar clues, think about the core concept of deliberate harm or ill will. Is the clue referring to an act, a person's character, or an underlying emotion? Pinpointing this will help narrow down the possibilities. For example, a 'malicious look' might lead to 'EVIL' or 'NASTY', while a 'malicious plot' could suggest 'WICKED' or 'SCHEMING' (though scheming is not directly malicious, it can be an act of malice).
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always verify the number of letters in your potential answer against the spaces provided in the grid. This is the simplest and most effective way to eliminate incorrect solutions.
- Check Crossing Letters: The most reliable method is to use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. If a potential answer for 'malicious' doesn't fit with the letters you have, it's not the right one.
- Consider Nuance: While many words mean 'malicious', some have subtle differences. 'Spiteful' implies petty ill will, while 'vindictive' focuses on revenge. Think about which nuance best fits the overall context of your puzzle's theme or other clues.
- Look for Anagrams or Hidden Words: Some 'malicious' clues might hide anagrams or parts of the answer within the clue itself. While less common for direct synonym clues, it's always worth a quick check for tricky setters.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'malicious' mean in the context of crossword clues?
In crosswords, 'malicious' points towards answers related to evil intent, harm, spite, wickedness, or a desire for revenge. It often implies a negative character trait or action.
Are there common synonyms for 'malicious' often used in puzzles?
Yes, common synonyms include EVIL, NASTY, WICKED, SPITEFUL, VINDICTIVE, and MALEVOLENT. The specific answer will depend on the number of letters required and any crossing letters.
How can I distinguish between similar-sounding clues related to 'malicious'?
Pay close attention to the nuance. Is it about intent (malicious, malevolent), action (cruel, wicked), or feeling (spiteful, vindictive)? The exact wording of the clue and the length of the answer are key indicators. Sometimes, a clue might contain a hidden wordplay element related to 'malice'.