murder crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "murder crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive solutions and explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "murder crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SLAY: To kill in a violent way; often used in a more dramatic or historical context in crosswords.
KILL: The most direct and common synonym for ending a life, frequently seen in puzzles.
6 Letters
MURDER: The unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another. Can be a direct definition or a synonym.
7 Letters
EXECUTE: To carry out a sentence of death on (a legally condemned person), sometimes used metaphorically for ending something decisively.
8 Letters
HOMICIDE: The killing of one person by another; a broader term that may or may not imply illegality, fitting various crossword nuances.
11 Letters
ASSASSINATE: To murder (an important person) for political or religious reasons, a more specific form of murder often clued distinctly.
More About "murder crossword clue"
The clue "murder" in a crossword puzzle can be surprisingly versatile, leading to a range of answers depending on the context, the puzzle's difficulty, and the available letter count. While direct synonyms like KILL or SLAY are common, the term's nuances can lead to more specific answers such as ASSASSINATE (for a high-profile killing) or HOMICIDE (the legal term for one human killing another, regardless of legality).
Crossword setters often play on the various shades of meaning. For example, a clue might hint at the act, the outcome, or even the perpetrator (though this page focuses on the act itself). Always consider whether the puzzle is looking for a direct synonym, a more formal term, or a word that captures a specific type of killing.
Understanding these subtle differences is key to mastering such clues. Our list of answers covers the most probable solutions you'll encounter, categorized by their letter count to make your solving process as efficient as possible.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always double-check the number of available squares in your crossword grid. This is the first and most critical step in narrowing down potential answers for a clue like "murder."
- Consider Synonyms and Nuances: For single-word clues, think broadly about all possible synonyms. For "murder," consider not just the act, but its legal, historical, or specific contexts (e.g., ASSASSINATE vs. simple KILL).
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These crucial hints often confirm one possible answer over another, especially when multiple synonyms of the same length exist.
- Think About Verb Tense: If the clue is a verb, ensure your answer matches the tense. "Murder" can be a noun or a verb; the surrounding clues often clarify this.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between "murder" and "homicide" in crossword clues?
In crosswords, 'murder' generally refers to the unlawful and premeditated killing, whereas 'homicide' is a broader term meaning the killing of one human by another, which can be lawful or unlawful. This distinction can sometimes be key to finding the right answer based on the nuance of the clue.
How do I solve crosswords when the clue is a single word like "murder"?
When a clue is a single word like 'murder', it usually requires a direct synonym. Consider all possible word lengths that fit the grid and think of synonyms like KILL, SLAY, HOMICIDE, ASSASSINATE. Also, check if the clue might be part of a phrase or a more obscure definition.
Are there common synonyms for 'murder' that frequently appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for 'murder' in crosswords include: KILL, SLAY, HOMICIDE, ASSASSINATE, and sometimes more figurative terms like LIQUIDATE or RUB OUT (though these often have additional contextual clues). Always consider the required letter count.