smears crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate guide for solving the 'smears crossword clue'. Whether you're stuck on a tricky puzzle or just looking to confirm an answer, we provide comprehensive solutions and explanations to help you complete your crossword with ease.
Solutions for "smears crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DAUBS: To apply paint or a sticky substance messily.
COATS: To cover something with a layer of a substance.
TAINT: To contaminate or corrupt, often morally.
6 Letters
STREAK: A long, thin mark or band, often made by smearing.
DEFACE: To spoil the surface or appearance of something.
7 Letters
SLANDER: To make false and damaging statements about someone.
ASPERSE: To attack the reputation of someone or something; slander.
8 Letters
BESMIRCH: To damage the reputation of (someone or something) in a way that makes others lose respect.
9 Letters
DISCREDIT: To harm the good reputation of someone or something.
More About "smears crossword clue"
The crossword clue 'smears' is interesting because it can have multiple interpretations, making it a versatile and sometimes challenging clue for puzzlers. Physically, 'smears' refers to applying a substance messily or leaving a trace, such as 'DAUBS' of paint or a 'STREAK' on a window. Understanding this literal sense can lead you to answers related to marking, covering, or defacing surfaces.
Beyond the physical, 'smears' also commonly refers to damaging someone's reputation or character. This metaphorical sense leads to answers like 'SLANDER', 'TAINT', 'ASPERSE', or 'DISCREDIT'. When encountering this clue, always consider the surrounding letters and the theme of the puzzle to determine if a literal or figurative meaning is intended. This duality is a common trick in crossword construction.
Our comprehensive list above covers the most common solutions for 'smears' across various letter counts, encompassing both its physical and abstract meanings. We strive to provide context and short explanations to help you not only find the answer but also understand why it fits, improving your overall crossword-solving skills.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like 'smears', think broadly about its synonyms (e.g., defile, dirty, tarnish) and even antonyms if the clue implies the opposite.
- Consider Word Lengths: Always look at the number of boxes provided. This is your primary hint for narrowing down potential answers. Our page groups answers by length for this very reason.
- Context is King: Pay attention to other clues in the puzzle, especially if they are related to the same theme. A clue like 'Artist's mess' would point to a physical smear, while 'Political attack' would suggest a reputational one.
- Use a Crossword Solver Strategically: If you're truly stuck, use a solver, but try to fill in a few letters first. This helps you learn and remember the patterns rather than just getting the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'smears crossword clue' have so many different answers?
The clue 'smears' is a great example of a versatile word in crosswords. It can refer to physical acts of applying something messily (like daubs of paint) or to figurative acts of damaging a reputation (like slander). This duality means multiple correct answers can fit, depending on the context of the specific puzzle.
How can I quickly find the right answer for 'smears'?
The best way is to combine the letter count with any letters you already have from intersecting words. Then, consider the overall theme or tone of the puzzle. If it's about art, think 'DAUBS' or 'COATS'; if it's about politics, 'SLANDER' or 'DISCREDIT' might be more likely.
What's the difference between 'smears' and 'sullies'?
'Smears' often implies a more physical act of messing something up, though it can also be reputational. 'Sullies' almost exclusively refers to damaging the purity or integrity of something, especially one's reputation or a good name. So, while 'sully' can be an answer for 'smears' (reputational), 'smear' itself has broader applications.