reduce in size crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "reduce in size crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you across the finish line.
Solutions for "reduce in size crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TRIM: To cut off the edges or to make something neat and compact.
CLIP: To cut with scissors or shears, often implying a reduction in length or size.
CROP: To cut short, often used in photography or agriculture.
5 Letters
ABATE: To make something less intense or widespread, often implying a reduction in its scale.
6 Letters
SHRINK: To become smaller in size, typically as a result of heat, wetness, or cold.
LESSEN: To make or become less; diminish in amount or extent.
MINIFY: To make smaller or reduce in size.
7 Letters
CURTAIL: To reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on.
SHORTEN: To make or become shorter in length or duration.
8 Letters
DIMINISH: To make or become less, especially in size, amount, or importance.
CONDENSE: To make something denser or more concentrated; to express in fewer words, implying a reduction in volume.
CONTRACT: To decrease in size, number, or range.
DECREASE: To make or become smaller or fewer in amount, extent, or size.
DOWNSIZE: To make something smaller, especially a company or organization by reducing its staff or scale.
More About "reduce in size crossword clue"
"Reduce in size" is a classic crossword clue that appears frequently in various forms, testing a solver's vocabulary related to diminution. The beauty of this clue lies in its versatility, as it can refer to physical objects, abstract concepts, or even processes. Words like 'shrink' and 'lessen' are straightforward, while 'curtail' or 'abate' might point to more formal or specific contexts of reduction.
Crossword constructors love these types of clues because they allow for a wide range of synonyms depending on the required letter count and the overall theme or difficulty of the puzzle. Understanding the subtle differences between words like 'trim' (often implying neatness), 'crop' (often visual), and 'diminish' (more general reduction) can be key to selecting the perfect answer.
When you encounter this clue, think about the context provided by other filled-in letters. Does the answer need to describe a gentle reduction or a sharp cut? Is it about quantity, intensity, or physical dimensions? These considerations help narrow down the possibilities from the many words that fit the general meaning of "reduce in size."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the clue to the number of available boxes. This immediately filters out many incorrect answers.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: The letters from words you've already solved are your best friends. They'll confirm or deny potential answers for 'reduce in size.'
- Consider Nuances and Context: Does the clue imply a specific type of reduction? 'TRIM' for hair, 'ABATE' for a storm, 'DOWNSIZE' for a company. Context clues within the puzzle can be invaluable.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: If you're stuck, brainstorm synonyms for 'reduce in size.' Sometimes, thinking of antonyms (e.g., 'grow,' 'expand') can also spark ideas for words that mean the opposite.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for 'reduce in size' in crosswords?
Crossword clues can often have multiple valid answers because of synonyms, different nuances of meaning, or varying letter counts required by the puzzle grid. 'Reduce in size' is a broad concept with many synonyms like 'shrink,' 'lessen,' 'trim,' or 'diminish,' each fitting different letter counts or specific contexts.
How can I figure out the correct answer when multiple options fit 'reduce in size'?
To determine the correct answer, you need to consider the letter count required by the puzzle. Also, look at intersecting words you've already filled in. These intersecting letters will often eliminate incorrect options, leaving only the word that perfectly fits both the clue and the grid.
Are there common tricks for clues like 'reduce in size'?
Yes, common tricks include looking for verb forms (e.g., 'to reduce' implies a verb answer) and considering the tone of the puzzle (e.g., a punny clue might lead to an unexpected answer). For size-related clues, consider words from manufacturing (downsize), art (crop), or general actions (trim, shorten).