smoothed crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your go-to source for solving challenging crossword clues. Below you'll find all the possible answers for "smoothed crossword clue," complete with explanations to help you understand the nuances and improve your solving skills. We've categorized answers by their letter count for your convenience.
Solutions for "smoothed crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
EASED: Made less severe or intense; relieved.
6 Letters
IRONED: Flattened or smoothed, typically with an iron.
PLANED: Smoothed a surface with a carpenter's plane.
CALMED: Made tranquil or quiet; allayed agitation.
BUFFED: Polished or rubbed a surface to make it smooth and shiny.
8 Letters
POLISHED: Made smooth and shiny by rubbing.
LEVELLED: Made a surface flat and even.
More About "smoothed crossword clue"
"Smoothed" is a versatile word that often appears in crosswords, representing a range of meanings from the literal to the figurative. Physically, it refers to making a surface even, free from bumps, wrinkles, or roughness. This can involve actions like sanding wood, ironing clothes, or polishing metal. Each of these actions results in a "smoothed" outcome, but the specific tool or method might be hinted at in the clue.
Beyond the physical, "smoothed" can also describe a process of making something easier, less difficult, or calming a situation. For instance, "smoothed relations" implies reducing conflict or tension. In this context, answers like EASED or CALMED come into play. Understanding the subtle differences in connotation is key to selecting the correct answer when faced with a clue like "smoothed" in your daily puzzle.
Crossword setters love words with multiple meanings, and "smoothed" is a prime example. Always consider the surrounding words in the clue for context. Is it about an object, a feeling, or a process? This analysis will guide you to the precise solution among the many possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: "Smoothed" is a past participle often used as an adjective or a verb in the past tense. This can give clues about the answer's form (e.g., ending in -ED).
- Consider Physical vs. Abstract Meanings: Determine if the clue refers to a physical alteration (like a surface) or a more abstract concept (like a situation or emotion). This distinction will significantly narrow down your options.
- Check Letter Count and Intersecting Letters: Use the number of letters and any already-filled intersecting letters as primary constraints. This is often the quickest way to eliminate many incorrect possibilities.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: If you're stuck, think of direct synonyms for "smoothed" or words that are its opposite (roughened, agitated) and try to find their antonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'smoothed' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'smoothed' typically refers to making something flat, even, less rough, or calmer. It can describe a physical action (like ironing clothes or sanding wood) or an emotional state (like easing tension or calming a person). The context of the clue will guide you to the specific meaning.
How can I find synonyms for 'smoothed' when solving a crossword?
To find synonyms for 'smoothed', consider its various applications: for surfaces (planed, ironed, polished, leveled, buffed), for processes (eased, refined, simplified), or for emotions (calmed, soothed). Thinking about the degree of smoothing (e.g., just flattened vs. highly polished) can also help narrow down options.
Are there common tricks or wordplay associated with 'smoothed' clues?
Yes, 'smoothed' can often be a past participle used as an adjective. Clues might play on the dual meaning of 'smoothed' (e.g., a 'smoothed' surface vs. 'smoothed' relations). Look for anagrams, hidden words, or cryptic indications that hint at a more abstract form of smoothing beyond the literal physical act.