repellent crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "repellent crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you through your puzzle.
Solutions for "repellent crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FOUL: Disagreeable, causing offense, or morally corrupt. Often used for smells or behavior.
6 Letters
ODIOUS: Extremely unpleasant; repulsive. Used for things that evoke strong dislike.
8 Letters
ANNOYING: Causing irritation or annoyance. Something that is repellent due to its irritating nature.
9 Letters
ABHORRENT: Inspiring disgust and loathing. Used for something morally or aesthetically repulsive.
10 Letters
OFFPUTTING: Causing one to feel dislike or aversion; disagreeable.
More About "repellent crossword clue"
The term "repellent" in crosswords can be a fascinatingly versatile clue, hinting at a range of answers from physical substances that deter (like insect repellents) to abstract qualities that evoke strong dislike. This dual nature makes it a rich source for constructors, allowing them to play on both literal and figurative meanings. When you encounter "repellent" in a puzzle, consider whether the answer describes something that pushes away physically, like a barrier or a spray, or something that is simply highly disagreeable or offensive to the senses or morals.
Crossword setters often use synonyms for "repellent" such as "disagreeable," "odious," "abhorrent," "aversive," or "off-putting." The context of the surrounding clues or any intersecting letters will be crucial in narrowing down the exact intended word. For instance, if the clue is paired with something related to bugs, an answer like "DEET" or "INSECTICIDE" might be plausible, whereas if it relates to a personality trait, "HATEFUL" or "VILE" could fit. Always consider the word's length and its broader implications.
Understanding the nuances of "repellent" can significantly improve your solving speed. It’s a word that can describe an unpleasant odor, a loathsome person, a deterrent, or even an undesirable quality. By keeping these various interpretations in mind, you'll be better equipped to tackle this common crossword clue, no matter how it's presented.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For "repellent," think of words that mean the same thing (odious, disgusting) but also consider if the clue is leading to something that *is* a repellent (e.g., a pesticide). Sometimes, the clue might even hint at the *opposite* if phrased negatively.
- Check Letter Counts Carefully: As you can see, "repellent" can have answers of widely varying lengths. If you have intersecting letters, use them to quickly eliminate possibilities that don't match the required length.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Is there a parenthetical hint? Does the clue refer to a specific category (e.g., "Bug repellent...")? This can guide you towards a more specific type of answer.
- Break Down Compound Clues: If the clue is "repellent substance," focus on "substance" as much as "repellent."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common themes for "repellent" in crosswords?
"Repellent" often appears in crosswords referring to unpleasant smells, disagreeable personalities, or actual substances designed to deter insects or pests. It can also describe abstract qualities that evoke aversion.
How do I distinguish between literal and figurative meanings of "repellent"?
Pay attention to the surrounding clues and the word length. If the clue hints at a scientific term or specific object (e.g., "Insect ____"), it's likely literal. If it describes a feeling or a character trait, it's more likely figurative (e.g., "A truly ____ habit").
Why do crosswords use common words like "repellent" but make them hard to solve?
Crossword constructors often exploit the multiple meanings and synonyms of common words to create challenging yet fair clues. This tests a solver's vocabulary breadth and ability to think flexibly about word associations, making the puzzle more engaging.