smother crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "smother" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "smother crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CHOKE: To prevent from breathing or speaking freely; also, to suppress, especially feelings or a fire.
QUASH: To reject or void, especially by legal procedure; to suppress or put an end to something forcefully.
6 Letters
STIFLE: To suppress or hold back something, like a yawn, a feeling, or a rebellion; also, to make someone unable to breathe easily.
7 Letters
REPRESS: To restrain, prevent, or inhibit the expression of a feeling, a memory, or an impulse; to suppress a person or group.
9 Letters
SUFFOCATE: To kill or die by obstructing the air supply; to oppress with a lack of opportunity or freedom.
More About "smother crossword clue"
The word "smother" can have several nuanced meanings, which is why it often appears in crosswords. It can refer to physically depriving someone or something of air, or it can be used figuratively to mean to suppress, inhibit, or completely cover something. This versatility allows crossword setters to create clues that test your understanding of its various applications.
Understanding the context of the clue is crucial. If the clue implies putting out a fire, an answer like DOUSE might fit, but for emotional suppression, words like STIFLE or REPRESS are more appropriate. Our provided solutions cover the most common interpretations, helping you navigate the different shades of meaning to find the exact match for your puzzle.
By offering a range of answers with varying letter counts and detailed explanations, we aim to not just give you the solution but also enhance your vocabulary and crossword-solving skills for future challenges. Each explanation highlights the specific usage of the word that relates to 'smother', whether literal or metaphorical.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Does the clue for "smother" sound violent, emotional, or domestic? This can guide you towards a literal or figurative answer.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, these can significantly narrow down the possibilities for the "smother" answer.
- Consider Word Length: The most obvious tip, but crucial! Always count the available blanks before brainstorming answers. Our page conveniently groups answers by length.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword setters love puns and wordplay. "Smother" might not always mean to physically cover; it could imply "to stifle a laugh" or "to quash a rebellion."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'smother' in crosswords?
Common crossword synonyms for 'smother' include words like STIFLE, CHOKE, QUASH, REPRESS, and SUFFOCATE, depending on the context of the clue and the number of letters required.
How can I find the right 'smother' answer in my crossword?
Look at the number of letters in the answer blank. Cross-reference with other solved letters. Consider if the clue implies physical smothering or a more figurative 'suppressing' or 'putting out' an emotion or idea. Often, knowing the exact meaning intended by the clue setter helps narrow it down.
Does 'smother' always mean to cover something completely?
While 'smother' can mean to cover something completely (like 'smother a fire' or 'smothered in sauce'), in crosswords it frequently refers to suppressing, stifling, or repressing something, such as an emotion, a rebellion, or a sound. Pay attention to the broader context of the clue.