persecuting crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "persecuting crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "persecuting crossword clue" by Letter Count
8 Letters
HOUNDING: Persistently pursuing or bothering someone, often with malicious intent.
PLAGUING: Causing continuous trouble or distress to, fitting the sense of ongoing negative impact.
9 Letters
HARASSING: Subjecting someone to aggressive pressure or intimidation, a direct synonym for persecuting.
10 Letters
TORMENTING: Inflicting severe physical or mental suffering on, a strong and often fitting answer for 'persecuting'.
More About "persecuting crossword clue"
The clue "persecuting" often appears in crosswords to challenge solvers with its various shades of meaning. While it directly implies causing suffering or harassment, the specific context within a puzzle can nudge you towards synonyms that emphasize different aspects: relentless pursuit (hounding), persistent annoyance (plaguing), or severe mental anguish (tormenting).
When you encounter this clue, consider the tone and the other words in the clue, if any. Is it looking for a physical act or a psychological one? Pay attention to the number of letters required and any already-solved intersecting letters, as these are crucial in narrowing down the possibilities to the exact word the puzzle setter intends.
Crossword setters love words with multiple interpretations, and "persecuting" is a prime example. Understanding its common synonyms and nuances can significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy for similar clues in the future.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the required letter count immediately. This is your primary filter for potential answers, helping you eliminate many words quickly.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "persecuting," brainstorm direct synonyms first. Sometimes, clues are trickier and might hint at an opposite, so keep an open mind to less direct connections.
- Use Crossing Letters: Leverage any letters you already have from intersecting words. Even one or two letters can dramatically reduce the pool of possible answers, especially for longer words.
- Check for Tenses and Plurals: Ensure your answer matches the clue's tense (e.g., 'persecuting' implies a present participle, so look for '-ING' words) or number (singular/plural).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'persecuting' typically imply in a crossword clue?
'Persecuting' in a crossword context generally points to actions of persistent annoyance, harassment, torment, or relentless pursuit. It often implies a continuous, negative action towards someone.
How can I find synonyms for challenging clues like 'persecuting'?
To find synonyms, consider the nuanced meaning. Is it about physical pursuit (hounding), mental distress (tormenting), or general annoyance (plaguing)? Using a thesaurus or an online crossword dictionary can help you explore related terms. Also, look at the letter count and any crossing letters you already have.
Are there common word lengths for answers to 'persecuting'?
Answers for 'persecuting' can vary widely in length, from shorter words like 'BADGERING' (9 letters) to longer ones like 'TORMENTING' (10 letters). Common lengths include 8, 9, and 10 letters, but always consider the specific puzzle's constraints.