reduce crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your definitive source for solving tricky crossword clues. On this page, you'll find all the possible solutions and explanations for the clue "reduce crossword clue," organized by letter count to help you quickly pinpoint the answer you need.
Solutions for "reduce crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CUT: To make something smaller in amount or size, a common short answer for 'reduce'.
5 Letters
ABATE: To make less in amount, degree, or intensity; often used for reducing severity.
6 Letters
LESSEN: To diminish something in amount, degree, or intensity, a direct synonym for 'reduce'.
SHRINK: To become or make smaller in size, often implying a physical reduction.
8 Letters
DIMINISH: To make or become less, a broad term for reducing in various aspects.
DECREASE: To make or become smaller or fewer in amount, extent, or intensity, similar to diminish.
More About "reduce crossword clue"
The term "reduce" is a versatile one in the English language, making it a common yet sometimes challenging crossword clue. It can refer to physical size, quantity, intensity, or even complexity. In crosswords, clue setters love to play on these multiple meanings, requiring solvers to think broadly about synonyms.
When you encounter "reduce" in a crossword, consider the context provided by the rest of the clue. Is it hinting at a cutback in spending? A decrease in volume? Or perhaps a boiling down of a sauce in cooking? Each scenario leads to a different set of potential answers, from simple verbs like CUT to more nuanced terms like ABATE or DIMINISH.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to provide not just the answers, but also the understanding behind them, empowering you to tackle similar clues with confidence in your future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: Pay attention to any subtle hints in the clue that specify the type of reduction (e.g., 'reduce in size' vs. 'reduce in intensity'). This often guides you to the most precise synonym.
- Consider Letter Count First: Once you have a few potential synonyms in mind, immediately filter them by the number of letters required in the grid. This significantly narrows down your options.
- Look for Wordplay: Sometimes, 'reduce' clues might involve anagrams, hidden words, or phonetic clues. If a direct synonym doesn't fit, think creatively about how the words might be manipulated.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them as a strong guide. The answer must fit perfectly into the existing structure.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the right "reduce" synonym in crosswords?
The best approach is to consider the context of the clue and the number of letters. 'Reduce' can imply physical shrinkage (SHRINK), a decrease in quantity (LESSEN, DECREASE), or a lessening of intensity (ABATE, DIMINISH). Check for anagram indicators or other wordplay that might narrow down the options.
Are there common tricks for 'reduce' clues?
Yes, 'reduce' clues often play on its multiple meanings. Look out for clues that hint at specific types of reduction, such as 'cut back' (CURTAIL), 'make smaller' (MINIFY), or 'lessen in volume' (LOWER). Short answers like CUT are also very common. Sometimes, it can be a reversal clue or a hidden word if the context allows.
What's the difference between 'reduce' and 'diminish' in crossword contexts?
While both mean to make less, 'reduce' often implies a more direct or practical lessening (e.g., reduce prices, reduce size), whereas 'diminish' can carry a nuance of fading, lessening in importance, or becoming less significant (e.g., hopes diminished, light diminished). In crosswords, they are often interchangeable, but the specific phrasing of the clue can hint at one over the other.