pare crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "pare crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! Find all possible solutions for this clue, complete with explanations, to help you complete your crossword puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "pare crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PEEL: To remove the outer covering or skin from a fruit or vegetable, which is a common meaning of 'pare'.
TRIM: To cut off the irregular or unwanted parts of something, often to make it neat, much like paring down a budget.
CLIP: To cut, cut off, or cut out something, especially with shears or scissors, similar to paring nails.
5 Letters
SHAVE: To cut a very thin slice or slices from the surface of something, as in 'shave off a layer'.
ABATE: To become less intense or widespread, often referring to a reduction in force or amount, synonym to 'pare down'.
6 Letters
REDUCE: To make something smaller or less in amount, value, or size, which 'pare' often implies in a broader sense.
More About "pare crossword clue"
The word "pare" is a versatile term that frequently appears in crosswords, often testing a solver's understanding of its various nuances. While most commonly associated with removing the skin of fruits (like paring an apple), "pare" also signifies reducing something in size, quantity, or degree, often gradually or carefully. This secondary meaning is crucial for crossword clues, as it can refer to cutting back expenses, diminishing a large number, or even shaping something by trimming away excess material.
Understanding both the literal and metaphorical uses of "pare" is key to finding the correct answer in a crossword puzzle. Clues might hint at its physical sense, looking for answers like PEEL or SHAVE. Alternatively, they could lead you towards synonyms related to reduction or lessening, such as TRIM, REDUCE, or ABATE. The surrounding words in the clue, along with the required letter count, will guide you to the precise solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: For words like "pare", always think beyond the most common definition. Many crossword clues play on secondary or figurative meanings.
- Look at the letter count: The number of letters is your most powerful hint. If you think of 'PEEL' but the space is for 6 letters, you'll need to think of a different synonym like 'REDUCE'.
- Context is key: Pay attention to other words in the clue. "Pare an apple" strongly suggests PEEL, while "Pare expenses" points more towards REDUCE or TRIM.
- Check crossing letters: If you have some letters from intersecting words, use them to narrow down the possibilities. This is often the quickest way to confirm or rule out an answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'pare' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'pare' typically refers to reducing something in size, amount, or number. This can be literal, like peeling a fruit, or metaphorical, like 'paring down expenses'.
Are there common synonyms for 'pare' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms that often appear as answers to 'pare' or similar clues include PEEL, TRIM, SHAVE, CLIP, REDUCE, and ABATE. The specific context of the clue will often hint at the correct synonym.
How can I distinguish between 'pare' and similar clues like 'peel' or 'trim'?
While 'pare', 'peel', and 'trim' can overlap, 'pare' often implies a more careful, gradual, or systematic reduction. 'Peel' is usually specific to removing skin from fruits/vegetables. 'Trim' can be more general, often for neatening. Pay attention to the number of letters and any surrounding words in the clue for subtle distinctions.