smothers crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the "smothers crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, categorized by their length, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "smothers crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CHOKE: To stop someone from breathing or a fire from burning by covering or blocking it.
6 Letters
STIFLE: To prevent something from happening, being expressed, or developing, or to suffocate.
MUFFLE: To wrap or cover something to make it softer or quieter, or to prevent a sound from being heard clearly.
7 Letters
DAMPENS: To make something slightly wet, but also to make a feeling or quality less strong or intense, similar to smothering enthusiasm.
8 Letters
QUENCHES: To satisfy a thirst, or to extinguish a fire, similar to smothering flames.
9 Letters
SUFFOCATE: To die or cause to die from lack of air or inability to breathe, or to prevent the development of something.
More About "smothers crossword clue"
The clue "smothers" often points to words related to covering, suppressing, or extinguishing. Its versatility in meaning makes it a popular choice for crossword setters, as it can refer to physical actions like putting out a fire, or more abstract concepts such as stifling emotions or quieting sounds. Understanding the nuances of "smothers" is key to unlocking its various possible answers, which can range from literal interpretations to metaphorical ones.
When encountering this clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a pun? Is there a theme that might lean towards a specific type of 'smothering'? Keeping an open mind to both direct synonyms and more lateral connections will greatly assist in finding the correct solution. Our comprehensive list provides a starting point for the most common and widely accepted answers, covering various lengths to match your puzzle's grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always consider the overall theme of the crossword puzzle. Sometimes a themed puzzle will give a subtle hint about whether "smothers" refers to fire, sound, or emotion.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to narrow down the possibilities. This is especially useful for longer answers.
- Consider Plurality and Tense: The clue "smothers" is plural or third-person singular present tense. Ensure your answer matches this tense and number, if applicable, to fit the grammar of the clue.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword setters love to use synonyms that aren't the first ones that come to mind. If the common answers don't fit, think about less common but still valid meanings of "smothers."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'smothers' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'smothers' typically refers to synonyms for suppressing, stifling, or extinguishing something, often literally (like a fire) or figuratively (like emotions or sound). Look for words that mean to cover, quash, or suffocate.
Are there common word lengths for 'smothers' answers?
Answers for 'smothers' can vary widely in length, from shorter words like CHOKE (5 letters) to longer ones such as SUFFOCATE (9 letters). The most common lengths tend to be between 5 and 9 letters, encompassing a range of direct and indirect synonyms.
How can I find synonyms for tricky clues like 'smothers'?
To find synonyms for clues like 'smothers,' consider different contexts: smothers a fire, smothers a sound, smothers feelings, smothers with affection. Each context can suggest different sets of synonyms. Using a thesaurus or an online crossword solver can also be very helpful. Pay attention to the tense and plurality of the clue – 'smothers' (present tense, singular or plural) suggests answers in a similar form.