smears on crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "smears on crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "smears on crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DAB: To apply with light, quick strokes, often leaving a small mark.
4 Letters
MARS: To damage or disfigure, leaving unsightly marks or blemishes.
RUBS: To apply friction or pressure, which can spread a substance and cause a smear.
5 Letters
BLOTS: To stain or make a mark with a spot of liquid, often ink, which can then smear.
DAUBS: To apply a substance in a crude or liberal way, often leaving messy or smeared marks.
6 Letters
STAINS: To mark or discolor something with a substance that is difficult to remove, which can involve smearing.
More About "smears on crossword clue"
The clue "smears on" often points to verbs describing the act of applying something in a way that leaves a mark, or the resulting mark itself. In crossword puzzles, such clues test your vocabulary related to application, damage, and disfigurement. The word 'smear' itself implies an uneven or messy spread, which gives solvers a good hint towards answers that involve spreading a substance, creating a blemish, or even just touching something lightly in a way that transfers residue.
When encountering this clue, think about both the action and the consequence. Is the puzzle looking for the verb of applying something like paint, grease, or ink, or is it looking for the noun describing the mark left behind? Context from other solved clues in the puzzle can often narrow down the possibilities, helping you differentiate between similar-length answers like 'MARS' and 'RUBS', or 'BLOTS' and 'DAUBS'.
Consider the typical crossword constructor's mind: they might be thinking of common household accidents, artistic techniques, or even just the simple act of touching something with residue. This broad interpretation makes "smears on" a versatile clue that can lead to a variety of answers depending on the puzzle's theme and difficulty.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: Is "smears on" used as a verb (e.g., "he smears on paint") or does it hint at a noun (e.g., "the smears on the window")? This helps determine if you're looking for an action word or a descriptive one.
- Check for Related Concepts: Think about what causes smears – paint, oil, ink, dirt. Words related to these substances or their application are often good candidates.
- Consider Letter Count First: Always use the known letter count as your primary filter. If you have a few letters already, that's even better for narrowing down potential answers.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Sometimes, knowing a word's opposite can trigger the correct answer if the clue is playing on subtle nuances.
- Use Cross-References: Leverage intersecting words from your puzzle. Even one letter from a crossing clue can drastically reduce the number of possibilities for "smears on."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'smears on' imply in crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, 'smears on' typically implies an action that applies a substance unevenly or messily, or results in a mark or disfigurement. Common answers relate to actions like spreading, dabbing, rubbing, or the resulting marks themselves, such as blots or stains.
How many letters do answers for 'smears on' usually have?
Answers for 'smears on' can vary in length, commonly ranging from three to six letters. For example, 'DAB' (3 letters), 'MARS' (4 letters), 'BLOTS' (5 letters), and 'STAINS' (6 letters) are all plausible lengths depending on the specific nuance of the clue.
Are there synonyms for 'smears' that are frequent crossword answers?
Yes, common synonyms or related actions for 'smears' that often appear in crosswords include dab, blot, mar, stain, daub, coat, apply, and rub. Always consider the exact phrasing and surrounding clues to determine the best fit.