poison crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "poison" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the most common and accurate solutions to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "poison crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BANE: Something that causes great distress or annoyance, or that poisons life or happiness.
5 Letters
TOXIN: A poisonous substance, especially one produced by bacteria, animals, or plants.
VENOM: A poisonous substance secreted by animals (e.g., snakes, spiders) and injected into prey or enemies.
TAINT: To contaminate or corrupt, often with a harmful or undesirable quality; a trace of something bad.
More About "poison crossword clue"
The clue "poison" in a crossword puzzle can be surprisingly versatile, leading to several potential answers depending on the context, letter count, and whether the clue implies a noun or a verb. Commonly, it refers to a harmful substance like a TOXIN or VENOM. These are direct synonyms that fit well in many puzzles.
However, "poison" can also be used figuratively. For instance, something that is a "bane" to someone can be thought of as poisoning their life or happiness. Similarly, to "taint" something is to corrupt or spoil it, which is a form of poisoning. Always consider if the clue is looking for a literal substance or a metaphorical impact.
Puzzlers should also be aware that some clues might subtly hint at a verb form, asking for the act of poisoning or corrupting, rather than the substance itself. Checking intersecting words is crucial when dealing with multi-meaning clues like "poison" to narrow down the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always count the available squares for the answer. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and narrows down your choices significantly.
- Consider Figurative Meanings: Many common words like "poison" have figurative uses. Think beyond the literal; could the clue be referring to a metaphorical "poison" or a verb "to poison"?
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The most powerful tip! If you have a few letters from crossing words, they will quickly confirm or rule out potential answers for "poison."
- Think About Homophones/Puns: Sometimes clues for seemingly straightforward words might hide a pun or a homophone. While less common for "poison," it's always worth considering for trickier puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'poison' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'poison' in crosswords include TOXIN, VENOM, BANE, and sometimes terms like TAINT or PEST, depending on the context and figurative meaning implied by the clue.
How do I determine the correct length for 'poison' in a crossword?
The length is determined by the number of empty squares in the grid. If you have 5 squares, answers like TOXIN, VENOM, or TAINT would fit. For 4 squares, BANE is a possibility. Always cross-reference with intersecting clues.
Can 'poison' refer to a verb or only a noun in crosswords?
Yes, 'poison' can refer to both a noun (the substance itself) and a verb (the act of administering poison or corrupting). Clues might specify 'to poison' or imply the action, leading to answers like TAINT, DOPE, or even ADULTERATE.