regress crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "regress 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 clear explanations to help you solve your puzzle.
Solutions for "regress crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
RECEDE: To go back or move away from a previous position, often used for things like water or hairline, but applicable to a general backward movement.
7 Letters
DEVOLVE: To pass or be passed to a lower level of responsibility, quality, or condition, indicating a decline or regression in status or form.
9 Letters
BACKSLIDE: To revert to an earlier, worse condition or habit, implying a moral or professional regression. A very direct synonym for regress.
11 Letters
DETERIORATE: To become progressively worse in quality, condition, or character, directly implying a negative regression or decline.
More About "regress crossword clue"
The word "regress" in crosswords often points to answers that mean to go back, decline, or revert to a previous state, which is frequently a less developed or worse condition. Clues using "regress" might hint at a literal movement backward, a decline in quality or status, or a return to an earlier habit or stage of development. Understanding the various nuances of "regress" is key to selecting the correct answer from the available options.
Common crossword setters love to play on these different meanings. For instance, a clue like "To go back" might lead to "RECEDE," while "Decline in status" could suggest "DEVOLVE." Pay close attention to the other words in the clue, as they often provide context that narrows down the intended meaning and, consequently, the specific synonym required.
Beyond simple synonyms, "regress" can also evoke ideas of psychological return to an earlier developmental stage, or a return to a less civilized state. Keeping these broader interpretations in mind can sometimes unlock more obscure answers, making you a more efficient crossword solver.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: "Regress" has several shades of meaning (going back physically, declining in quality, reverting to a habit). Consider which specific nuance the clue is aiming for.
- Check Letter Count First: Before thinking of answers, always check the number of boxes available. This is your most powerful filter for potential solutions.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from crossing words, use them to confirm or rule out potential answers. Even one letter can often eliminate many incorrect options.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, "regress" might be clued as part of a phrasal verb that means to go back (e.g., "fall back," "draw back"), although single-word answers are more common.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'regress' mean in a crossword context?
'Regress' typically means to go back, revert, or decline to a former or worse state. In crosswords, clues related to 'regress' might lead to answers like RECEDE, DEVOLVE, BACKSLIDE, or DETERIORATE, depending on the specific nuance and letter count.
How can I find the correct length for 'regress' answers in a crossword?
The length of the answer is crucial in crosswords. If your grid indicates a 6-letter word, 'RECEDE' might be a fit. If it's 7, consider 'DEVOLVE'. Always check the available spaces in the crossword grid and cross-reference with letters from intersecting words to narrow down the possibilities based on length and common synonyms.
Are there other words similar to 'regress' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms or related concepts for 'regress' that appear in crosswords include REVERT, DECLINE, DETERIORATE, BACKTRACK, EBB, WANE, and RETROGRESS. The exact answer will depend on the clue's specific wording, the puzzle's theme, and the number of letters required.