shrink crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "shrink crossword clue", carefully categorized by word length. Whether you're stuck on a tricky puzzle or just double-checking your answer, we've got you covered with detailed explanations.
Solutions for "shrink crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ABATE: To become less intense or widespread; to diminish in amount, intensity, or degree.
6 Letters
RECEDE: To go or move back or further away from a previous position; often implying a reduction in size or strength.
7 Letters
ANALYST: Short for psychoanalyst, a professional who practices psychoanalysis, informally known as a 'shrink'.
DWINDLE: To diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength; to shrink away slowly.
8 Letters
CONTRACT: To decrease in size, number, or range; to draw together or cause to draw together.
More About "shrink crossword clue"
"Shrink" is a fascinating crossword clue because it leverages two distinct meanings of the word. Most commonly, it refers to the act of becoming smaller, as in clothes shrinking in the wash or a population dwindling. This leads to answers related to reduction, diminution, or recession.
However, "shrink" is also a widely recognized informal term for a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. This dual interpretation often catches solvers off guard, requiring them to consider both possibilities based on the available letters and other crossing clues. Recognizing this ambiguity is a hallmark of an experienced crossword solver.
The beauty of such clues lies in their ability to test a solver's vocabulary breadth and their capacity for lateral thinking. Always be prepared for multiple interpretations, especially with common words that have specific slang or jargon meanings.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: As with "shrink," many common words have multiple meanings, including formal, informal, and technical senses. Always brainstorm all possible interpretations.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters required is your strongest hint. If the clue has a person-related meaning, and a "shrinking" meaning, the length will often narrow down the possibilities.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Other words in the clue (e.g., "head doctor," "lessen," "get smaller") or crossing letters from other answers will guide you towards the correct meaning and specific answer.
- Think Synonyms: For verbs like "shrink," think of various synonyms for "reduce," "diminish," "contract," or "lessen."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'shrink' a common crossword clue?
The clue 'shrink' is popular due to its dual meaning: it can refer to a psychotherapist (informal term) or the act of becoming smaller. This allows setters to create versatile and sometimes tricky clues that test a solver's understanding of wordplay and multiple definitions.
How can I tell if 'shrink' refers to a person or a reduction?
Context is key! Look at surrounding letters, the length of the answer, and any other words in the clue. If it's a person, you might see terms like 'head doctor' or 'couch visitor'. If it's a reduction, clues like 'diminish', 'get smaller', or 'contract' might be implied by other parts of the clue or the puzzle's theme.
What other words mean 'to shrink' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'to shrink' include: ABATE, LESSEN, DWINDLE, RECEDE, CONTRACT, DECREASE, DIMINISH, WITHER. The specific answer will depend on the required letter count and the puzzle's overall theme or specific phrasing.