plague crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "plague" in your crossword, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "plague crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
VEX: To plague or annoy someone, causing irritation or distress.
4 Letters
PEST: Often used to describe a troublesome person or insect that plagues or bothers.
BANE: Something that causes misery or distress, often a persistent source of suffering, akin to a plague.
5 Letters
CURSE: An affliction or misfortune, sometimes referred to as a plague upon something or someone.
7 Letters
SCOURGE: A person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering, often used to describe widespread affliction or a plague.
8 Letters
EPIDEMIC: A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time, a direct synonym for plague in its disease context.
More About "plague crossword clue"
"Plague" is a versatile word in crossword puzzles because it carries multiple meanings, ranging from a severe infectious disease to a persistent annoyance or a widespread calamity. Historically, 'plague' most commonly refers to devastating outbreaks like the Black Death, which can lead to answers like EPIDEMIC or even SCOURGE, emphasizing its destructive nature.
However, 'plague' can also be used in a more common, everyday sense to describe something that annoys or vexes. For instance, a persistent mosquito could 'plague' your picnic, leading to answers like PEST or VEX. The clue's specific phrasing, alongside the number of letters, is crucial for deciphering which interpretation is intended by the puzzle setter.
Understanding these different facets of the word 'plague' is key to successfully solving related crossword clues. Always consider both the literal and metaphorical meanings, as setters often play on these nuances to make puzzles more challenging and engaging.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms & Antonyms: For a clue like "plague," think of words that mean to annoy, bother, afflict, or even widespread disaster. Sometimes, considering the opposite meaning can also spark an idea.
- Check Letter Count First: Before anything else, count the available boxes in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and helps you focus on words of the correct length.
- Look for Context Clues: Does the clue use an adjective, or is it part of a phrase? "A real plague" might suggest a noun like PEST, while "to plague someone" suggests a verb like VEX. The surrounding words are vital hints.
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: If you have letters filled in from intersecting words, use them! They often provide the critical characters needed to complete a tricky answer like 'plague'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common meanings of 'plague' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'plague' can refer to a disease (e.g., EPIDEMIC, SCOURGE), something that annoys or vexes (e.g., VEX, PEST), or a persistent problem or affliction (e.g., BANE, CURSE). The context of the clue usually helps narrow down the specific meaning.
How do I determine the correct length for 'plague' answers?
The number of dashes or boxes provided in the crossword grid is your primary indicator. For 'plague crossword clue', you might see _ _ _ _ for 'PEST' or _ _ _ _ _ _ _ for 'SCOURGE'. Always match your answer to the available spaces.
Can 'plague' have metaphorical answers?
Yes, absolutely! 'Plague' is often used metaphorically in crosswords to imply something that causes widespread trouble or an overwhelming nuisance, not just a literal disease. Answers like 'BANE' or 'SCOURGE' fit this metaphorical usage well, referring to a persistent source of problems.