How do I find the right length for 'ostracise' answers?

The number of letters provided in the crossword grid is crucial. Match the length to the potential synonyms of 'ostracise'. For example, if you need a 4-letter word, SHUN is a strong candidate, whereas for 7 letters, EXCLUDE or ISOLATE might be appropriate.

Are there other synonyms for 'ostracise' used in crosswords?

Yes, beyond the main ones, you might encounter words like DEBAR (5 letters), REBUFF (6 letters), or SENDOFF (7 letters, less common but possible in cryptic clues) depending on the nuance the setter intends. Always consider the context of the entire clue.

Where can I find more help for challenging clues like 'ostracise'?

Crossword answer websites like Crosswordanswer.co.uk are designed for this! You can search for the clue, or parts of it, to see a range of possible answers sorted by length. Additionally, using a thesaurus for synonyms can be helpful, and practicing regularly improves your pattern recognition.

ostracise crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the "ostracise crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle solved quickly.

Solutions for "ostracise crossword clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

CUT: To deliberately exclude someone from a social group.

4 Letters

SHUN: To persistently avoid, ignore, or reject someone or something through antipathy or caution.

6 Letters

BANISH: To send someone away from a country or place as an official punishment; to forbid from a place.

REJECT: To dismiss as inadequate, unacceptable, or faulty; to refuse to accept.

EXCOMM: A common abbreviation for excommunicate, which means to officially exclude someone from a religious community.

7 Letters

EXCLUDE: To deny someone access to or membership of a place, group, or privilege.

ISOLATE: To place or keep in a situation of being alone or apart from others.

OUTCAST: A person who has been rejected or cast out by society or a social group.

8 Letters

ALIENATE: To make (someone) feel isolated or estranged.

More About "ostracise crossword clue"

The word "ostracise" carries a strong meaning of exclusion and social rejection, making it a fertile ground for various crossword clue synonyms. The term itself originates from ancient Greece, where citizens would vote to banish a person from the city-state for a decade by writing their name on a shard of pottery called an 'ostrakon'. This historical context often adds depth to cryptic clues or general knowledge puzzles.

When you encounter 'ostracise' in a crossword, think broadly about actions that lead to someone being left out. This could range from a simple snub or cut to more severe forms of banishment or excommunication. The key is to consider the number of letters required and the specific nuance the clue might be aiming for, which can sometimes be hinted at by other words in the clue or surrounding letters in the grid.

Solutions tend to be direct synonyms of 'exclude', 'reject', or 'shun'. Pay attention to any qualifiers in the clue, such as "informally" or "officially," as these can guide you towards a more precise answer, like 'excomm' for an official religious exclusion or 'cut' for a more informal social slight.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Count Your Letters: Always double-check the exact number of letters needed for the answer. This is the single most important piece of information for narrowing down possibilities for clues like "ostracise."
Consider Nuances: Think about the intensity or context implied by "ostracise." Is it a gentle cold shoulder (SHUN, CUT) or a more severe expulsion (BANISH, EXCLUDE)? This can help distinguish between multiple answers of the same length.
Look for Common Crossword Synonyms: Crossword setters often reuse certain words as synonyms for common concepts. Familiarize yourself with the most frequent answers for 'ostracise' and similar 'exclusion' terms, such as those listed above.
Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These crucial checks can confirm if your chosen synonym fits perfectly into the grid, or if you need to reconsider other options.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the shortest common answer for 'ostracise'?

The shortest common answer for 'ostracise' is typically SHUN, which is a 4-letter word. Another possible 4-letter answer is CUT.

Could "ostracise" ever mean something other than exclusion in a crossword?

While its primary meaning is exclusion, in cryptic crosswords, "ostracise" could be part of a wordplay clue. For example, it might refer to literally 'removing' letters from a word (e.g., 'Ostracise first letter of 'start' gives 'tart'). However, for standard non-cryptic clues, it will almost always mean to exclude or banish.

Why are there so many answers for a single crossword clue?

Many words in the English language have multiple synonyms, and crossword clues aim to test your vocabulary breadth. 'Ostracise' is a good example of a concept with several words that mean to exclude or reject, varying slightly in nuance or formality, providing setters with many options to fit different grid lengths.