polluted crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! This page provides comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "polluted crossword clue", helping you complete your puzzle with ease and understanding.
Solutions for "polluted crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FOUL: Describes something offensively unclean or impure, often due to pollution, like foul air or water.
5 Letters
DIRTY: Refers to something unclean or soiled, a direct synonym for polluted in many contexts.
6 Letters
IMPURE: Indicates something that is mixed with undesirable or polluting substances, no longer in its natural, clean state.
7 Letters
SULLIED: Means to make something dirty or spoil it, often used when something's purity or reputation is tarnished by pollution or corruption.
TAINTED: Implies something has been contaminated or corrupted, often used for food or reputation becoming 'polluted'.
12 Letters
CONTAMINATED: Explicitly means to make something impure or harmful by introducing pollutants or infectious agents.
More About "polluted crossword clue"
The term "polluted" in crosswords can refer to a wide range of contexts, from environmental degradation to a figurative spoiling of something pure, like a reputation or a sacred space. Understanding these different nuances is key to solving the clue. It often hints at words meaning spoiled, corrupted, defiled, or simply made dirty. Clues might focus on air pollution (foul, smoggy), water pollution (tainted, toxic), or metaphorical pollution (sullied, corrupted).
Crossword setters love words with multiple meanings or applications, and "polluted" fits this perfectly. It challenges solvers to consider not just the literal sense but also the broader implications and synonyms that could apply to various situations. Always consider the length of the answer and any intersecting letters to narrow down the exact term the puzzle setter had in mind.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "polluted," think of words that mean the same (dirty, contaminated) or their opposites (clean, pure). Sometimes, a clue might be phrased as "not polluted."
- Look for Figurative Meanings: "Polluted" isn't just about environmental dirt. It can refer to a tarnished reputation ("sullied") or corrupted data ("tainted"). Always consider if the clue is asking for a literal or metaphorical answer.
- Check Word Length and Intersecting Letters: This is your best friend! If you have multiple potential answers, the number of letters and any pre-filled letters from crossing words will usually reveal the correct one.
- Identify Part of Speech: Is "polluted" used as an adjective (e.g., polluted water) or a past participle functioning as an adjective? This can guide you towards the right kind of answer word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find synonyms for specific crossword clues like 'polluted'?
To find synonyms, consider the context of the clue. Is it physical pollution, moral pollution, or something else? Think about words that describe something being made dirty, spoiled, or contaminated. Online thesauruses and crossword dictionaries can be very helpful.
What if multiple answers fit the length for 'polluted crossword clue'?
If multiple answers fit, check the letters you already have filled in from intersecting words. This will often narrow down the possibilities to the single correct answer. If no letters are available, consider the nuance of each synonym; one might fit the puzzle's theme or difficulty better.
Why are environmental terms common in crosswords?
Environmental terms like 'polluted' are common in crosswords because they are part of everyday language and current events. They often have multiple synonyms and can be used in both literal and figurative senses, making them versatile for clue writers to create challenging yet solvable puzzles.