reject crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "reject," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their length, along with helpful explanations to guide your puzzle-solving journey.
Solutions for "reject crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DENY: To refuse to admit the truth or existence of something; to refuse to grant a request.
5 Letters
SPURN: To reject with disdain or contempt; to scorn.
6 Letters
REFUSE: To indicate that one is not willing to do something requested or desired; to decline.
REJECT: To dismiss as inadequate, unacceptable, or faulty; to refuse to accept. (Often a direct synonym clue).
7 Letters
DECLINE: To politely refuse an invitation or offer; to become smaller or weaker.
More About "reject crossword clue"
The clue "reject" is a classic in crosswords due to its rich tapestry of synonyms. From outright refusal to subtle dismissal, the various shades of "rejection" provide setters with ample opportunity to challenge solvers. Common answers range from simple denials like DENY to more nuanced forms such as SPURN (implying contempt) or DECLINE (suggesting politeness).
Understanding the precise nuance required by the setter is key. Often, the surrounding words in the clue or the context of the puzzle itself will hint at which specific synonym is expected. For instance, a clue like "Politely turn down" would point towards DECLINE, while "Scornfully cast aside" might indicate SPURN. Mastering these distinctions will significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy.
Remember that crosswords love to play with words, so sometimes "reject" might not refer to a person's action but to an object being discarded, leading to answers like DISCARD or CASTOFF. Always consider the broadest possible interpretations of the clue before settling on an answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "reject," pay attention to any adverbs or adjectives that modify the verb. "Politely reject" will lead to a different answer than "forcefully reject."
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters. This is the fastest way to eliminate many possibilities and narrow down your options significantly.
- Look for Wordplay: Be aware of anagrams, hidden words, or puns. "Reject" might be part of a larger phrase or a component of a more complex wordplay clue.
- Use Crossing Letters: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends in confirming or eliminating potential answers.
- Think Broadly: If a common synonym isn't working, expand your thinking to include more obscure or less direct synonyms of "reject." Sometimes the answer is a phrase, not a single word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for "reject" in crosswords?
The word "reject" has many synonyms and nuances (like refuse, spurn, deny, decline, dismiss), making it a versatile clue. Crossword setters often use these subtle differences to vary the difficulty and fit different letter counts, offering a wide range of possible solutions.
How can I differentiate between similar answers like 'REFUSE' and 'DECLINE'?
While both mean to say no, 'DECLINE' often implies a more polite or formal refusal, especially of an offer or invitation. 'REFUSE' can be more general and sometimes imply a firmer, less polite rejection. Context in the clue (e.g., "politely turn down" vs. "firmly say no") is key to choosing the correct answer.
What if the answer doesn't fit any of the listed solutions?
Crosswords often use less common synonyms, require an anagram, or involve specific wordplay. If common solutions don't fit, double-check the clue for specific wordplay indicators, review your existing crossing letters, or consider very niche contexts of 'rejection' (e.g., 'throw out' vs. 'disdain'). Sometimes, the answer might be a phrase.