poisoned crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the clue "poisoned crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, along with explanations to help you understand the nuances and improve your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "poisoned crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TOXIC: Caused by or acting as a poison; poisonous. This is a very common answer for 'poisoned' clues due to its direct meaning and common usage.
7 Letters
TAINTED: Contaminated or polluted, often used in the context of food, water, or even a reputation that has been corrupted or made impure. This can be a figurative or literal 'poisoned'.
SPOILED: Rendered unfit for consumption or use; often used for food that has gone bad, which can imply it has become poisonous. Can also refer to a situation or person made bad.
8 Letters
VENOMOUS: Secreting venom; capable of injecting venom by a bite or sting (e.g., snakes). Figuratively, it means full of malice or spite, making it a strong synonym for 'poisoned' in a negative sense.
11 Letters
ADULTERATED: Rendered poorer in quality by the addition of another, usually inferior, substance. This directly implies something has been "poisoned" or made impure by an external agent.
More About "poisoned crossword clue"
The clue "poisoned crossword clue" can be deceptively simple, often leading to answers that range from literal chemical contamination to figurative corruption or ruination. Crossword setters love to play on these dual meanings. A literal "poisoned" clue might refer to something made toxic, like food or water, leading to answers like TOXIC or ADULTERATED. On the other hand, a figurative interpretation might describe a reputation, a relationship, or even an atmosphere that has been 'poisoned' or made harmful, pointing towards words like TAINTED or VENOMOUS.
When encountering this clue, consider the context if any is provided in other parts of the puzzle or the specific crossword's theme. The number of letters is your most crucial hint, narrowing down the possibilities significantly. Always think about synonyms for 'harmful', 'corrupted', 'contaminated', or 'made bad' when approaching this type of clue, as the answer isn't always a direct synonym for 'poisoned' but rather an outcome or characteristic of being poisoned.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answers to the given letter count. This is the fastest way to eliminate incorrect solutions for "poisoned crossword clue".
- Consider Figurative vs. Literal: Think about whether the clue implies a literal poisoning (e.g., food) or a figurative one (e.g., a bad atmosphere). Answers like 'TAINTED' or 'VENOMOUS' can fit both.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Brainstorm words related to 'harmful', 'corrupted', 'toxic', 'spoiled', and even their opposites, as sometimes the clue might be a misdirection or a definition.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: Use letters you've already solved from intersecting clues. Even one confirmed letter can unlock the correct "poisoned" answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between "poisoned" and "toxic" in crosswords?
While often used interchangeably, 'poisoned' can imply a state (something has been poisoned), whereas 'toxic' describes an inherent quality (something is toxic by nature). In crosswords, the nuance depends on the clue's wording. 'Toxic' is a common short answer, directly meaning poisonous, while 'poisoned' might lead to verbs in past tense or more descriptive adjectives.
How do I identify if the clue needs a literal or figurative "poisoned" answer?
Context is key. Look for other words in the clue. If it mentions food, water, or a specific substance, it's likely literal. If it refers to relationships, reputations, or atmospheres, a figurative answer like 'tainted' or 'corrupted' might be expected. The number of letters can also guide you.
Are there common short answers for "poisoned" in crosswords?
Yes, 'TOXIC' (5 letters) is a very frequent answer for clues related to 'poisoned' or 'poisonous'. Other common shorter answers or related concepts might include 'BANE' (4 letters, meaning a cause of great distress or annoyance, often leading to destruction) or 'RUINED' (6 letters, implying something has been made unfit or spoiled).