slacken crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "slacken crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "slacken crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EASE: To make something less difficult or intense, or to release from tension. Fits the idea of making things less tight or strenuous.
5 Letters
RELAX: To make or become less tense or rigid. Directly corresponds to the action of slackening tension or effort.
ABATE: To become less intense or widespread. Often used when a storm or a feeling diminishes, aligning with slackening intensity.
6 Letters
LOOSEN: To make something less tight or firm. A very direct synonym for slacken, particularly in physical contexts like ropes or knots.
LESSEN: To diminish in size, amount, or intensity. Implies a reduction, as when one's grip or pace slackens.
7 Letters
SUBSIDE: To become less intense, violent, or severe. Often describes a strong emotion or a natural phenomenon, indicating a slackening of its force.
8 Letters
DECREASE: To make or become smaller or fewer in amount, extent, or degree. Directly implies a reduction, such as slackening speed or pressure.
DIMINISH: To make or become less. Similar to decrease, this word is often used to describe a reduction in something abstract or a physical quantity.
More About "slacken crossword clue"
The clue "slacken" in crosswords typically points to a word that means to reduce intensity, tension, or speed. This versatile verb can describe a wide range of actions, from letting a rope go loose to slowing down one's efforts or pace. Understanding the nuances of "slacken" is key, as it can appear in various contexts within a puzzle, requiring you to consider synonyms for both its physical and metaphorical meanings.
When encountering "slacken," consider if the puzzle implies a physical release of tension (like a rope or a grip), a reduction in speed or activity (like a pace or an effort), or a decrease in severity or intensity (like a storm or a mood). The length of the answer is the most crucial hint, guiding you towards specific synonyms like EASE, RELAX, LOOSEN, or even broader terms like ABATE or DECREASE.
Crossword setters love using words like "slacken" because they have multiple layers of meaning, allowing for clever misdirection or simple, direct synonyms. Always cross-reference with other completed letters in your grid to confirm the best fit among the possible answers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Context: For clues like "slacken," think about the broader context of the puzzle or other clues. Is it a nautical theme? A puzzle about emotions? The context can often narrow down the possible synonyms.
- Check Letter Count First: Always prioritize the given letter count. This is the strongest hint. If you have "slacken" and 5 letters, you'll immediately think of RELAX or ABATE, ruling out longer or shorter options.
- Look for Prefixes/Suffixes in Other Clues: Sometimes a clue might hint at a verb form or a past tense. While "slacken" is a base verb, other clues might give away that you need a word that ends in '-ED' or '-ING', which can help you infer the base word needed for a related clue.
- Think of Opposites: What's the opposite of slacken? Tighten, quicken, intensify. Sometimes, thinking of antonyms can help you brainstorm synonyms for the original word by working backwards.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'slacken' mean in a general context?
Generally, 'slacken' means to make or become less active, intense, or quick; to loosen or relax. It can apply to speed, effort, or physical tension in ropes or lines.
Are there common synonyms for 'slacken' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms that often appear as crossword answers for 'slacken' include ease, relax, loosen, abate, diminish, lessen, and slow. The specific answer depends on the required letter count.
How can I distinguish between similar clues like 'slacken' and 'loosen'?
'Slacken' often implies a reduction in speed, intensity, or tension over time, while 'loosen' primarily refers to making something less tight or firm. Both can overlap, but 'slacken' has a broader application regarding activity or pace.