retaliation crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "retaliation crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
REVENGE: An act of inflicting harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands. A very common answer for this type of clue.
PAYBACK: The act of retaliating or exacting revenge, often as a consequence for a past wrong. Directly implies a return for a debt or injury.
8 Letters
REPRISAL: An act of retaliation, especially one carried out by a state or group in response to an injury. Often used in a more formal or military context.
VENDETTA: A prolonged bitter quarrel with or campaign against someone. Implies a deep-seated desire for vengeance, often familial.
9 Letters
RECKONING: The process of calculating or estimating something, often referring to a time when past misdeeds must be paid for. Implies a coming to terms with consequences.
11 Letters
RETRIBUTION: Punishment inflicted in return for an injury or wrong. Carries a strong sense of deservedness and moral justice.
COMEUPPANCE: A deserved punishment or fate. Often used to describe a negative consequence for someone's bad actions, implying justice served.
More About "retaliation crossword clue"
The concept of "retaliation" is a staple in crossword puzzles, often appearing under various synonyms and nuances. Clues related to retaliation typically point towards actions taken in response to a perceived wrong, an offense, or a grievance. Puzzle setters frequently use this theme to test your vocabulary across different registers, from everyday language to more formal or archaic terms.
Understanding the context is key when solving such clues. Is the puzzle looking for a general act of revenge, a more official state-sanctioned response, or a deep-seated personal feud? Words like REVENGE and PAYBACK are quite direct, while REPRISAL might suggest an official counterattack. VENDETTA evokes a prolonged, bitter conflict, often between families, while RETRIBUTION and COMEUPPANCE lean into the idea of just punishment or a deserved consequence.
When you encounter a "retaliation crossword clue," consider the letter count first, then brainstorm synonyms. Think about the tone of the clue—is it informal, formal, or even poetic? This can guide you to the precise answer the setter has in mind, helping you complete your puzzle with ease.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "retaliation," pay attention to any subtle hints. Is it "a quick retaliation" (PAYBACK?) or "state retaliation" (REPRISAL?)? The surrounding words can guide you to the most fitting synonym.
- Consider Letter Count Early: Always use the given letter count to filter your potential answers immediately. This dramatically reduces the number of words to consider for the "retaliation crossword clue."
- Look for Cross-References: If the clue is particularly tricky, see if any intersecting words are clear. Filling in crossing letters can often reveal a few key letters that make the "retaliation" answer obvious.
- Think Beyond Basic Synonyms: Sometimes, the answer isn't a direct synonym but a related concept or outcome. For "retaliation," this could include words like RECKONING or phrases that imply a settling of scores.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'retaliation' typically refer to in crossword puzzles?
'Retaliation' in crosswords most often refers to acts of revenge, payback, or a punitive response to an injury or wrong. Common answers include synonyms like REVENGE, REPRISAL, or RETRIBUTION.
Are there common alternative phrases or concepts for 'retaliation' in crosswords?
Yes, beyond direct synonyms, clues related to 'retaliation' might hint at concepts like 'getting even,' 'eye for an eye,' or 'just deserts.' Look for answers like PAYBACK, VENDETTA, or even COMEUPPANCE.
How can the word length help in solving 'retaliation crossword clue'?
Knowing the exact number of letters is crucial. For instance, 'REVENGE' and 'PAYBACK' are 7 letters, 'REPRISAL' and 'VENDETTA' are 8, while 'RETRIBUTION' and 'COMEUPPANCE' are 11. Matching the clue to a specific length often narrows down possibilities significantly.