shrink crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "shrink crossword". We've gathered all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "shrink crossword" by Letter Count
6 Letters
RECEDE: To move back or further away from a previous position, implying a reduction in size or prominence.
LESSEN: To diminish in size, amount, or intensity, directly meaning to make or become smaller.
7 Letters
DWINDLE: To diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength, often implying a steady reduction.
8 Letters
CONTRACT: To decrease in size, number, or range, particularly to draw together or make smaller.
More About "shrink crossword"
The clue "shrink" in a crossword puzzle typically points towards words that signify a reduction in size, quantity, or intensity. This could be literal, such as an object getting smaller, or metaphorical, like emotions or a group of people decreasing. Common synonyms often found as answers include terms like 'lessen', 'diminish', 'contract', 'recede', or 'dwindle'. The context of the puzzle and any intersecting letters are crucial in determining the exact word required.
However, it's also important to consider the alternative meaning of "shrink," which refers to a psychologist or psychiatrist. In more playful or pun-based crosswords, "shrink" might lead to answers related to mental health professionals, especially if paired with other words in the clue that suggest this interpretation. Always be mindful of both direct synonyms for reduction and potential wordplay elements in the clue when tackling "shrink" in your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: For clues like "shrink," always think about both its literal meaning (to get smaller) and any alternative meanings (like a psychologist).
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters provided for the answer is your biggest clue. Use our categorized answers to quickly narrow down possibilities.
- Look for Context Clues: Sometimes, surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can hint at whether "shrink" refers to size reduction or a person.
- Fill in Intersecting Words First: If you have letters from intersecting words, these are invaluable in confirming or ruling out potential answers for "shrink."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical meaning of 'shrink' in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'shrink' commonly refers to words meaning to decrease in size, quantity, or intensity. This can include synonyms like lessen, diminish, contract, or recede. It can also sometimes refer to a psychologist or psychiatrist, depending on the context or a wordplay element in the clue.
How can I figure out the length of a 'shrink' answer if I don't have intersecting letters?
Without intersecting letters, consider common synonyms for 'shrink' that fit typical crossword lengths (e.g., 6, 7, 8 letters). Also, check if the clue implies a specific type of 'shrink' (e.g., a professional, a type of material shrinking). Looking at other solved clues in the same puzzle can sometimes provide hints about the overall difficulty or theme, narrowing down possibilities.
Are there common tricks for 'shrink' clues?
Yes, common tricks include using words that imply a reduction (e.g., 'ebb', 'wane'), or, if the clue has a wordplay element, referring to a psychiatrist ('headshrinker' or just 'analyst' for 'shrink'). Always consider both the literal meaning of decreasing size and any potential figurative or pun-based interpretations.