sour crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with "sour crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by length, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "sour crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ACID: Refers to a substance with a low pH, typically having a sharp or sour taste.
TART: A common descriptive word for a sharp, slightly acidic taste.
5 Letters
LEMON: A citrus fruit renowned for its distinctive sour flavor, often used as an example of sourness.
6 Letters
RANCID: Describes fats or oils that have gone bad, often developing a sour and unpleasant taste or smell.
BITTER: Often used to describe a sharp, unpleasant taste, sometimes associated with sourness, though distinct.
7 Letters
ACERBIC: Used to describe a sharp and bitter taste, or a critical and cutting tone, metaphorically sour.
VINEGAR: A sour liquid made by fermenting alcohol, widely used in cooking and known for its acidity.
UNHAPPY: Can describe a metaphorical 'sour' mood or disposition, indicating displeasure or gloom.
More About "sour crossword clue"
"Sour" is a remarkably versatile word in crosswords, often appearing in clues that test your understanding of taste, but also its metaphorical meanings. Beyond the literal puckering sensation, it can refer to a spoiled situation, a disagreeable person, or even a chemical property. Crossword constructors frequently leverage this ambiguity, so it's essential to consider all angles when encountering such a clue.
From common kitchen ingredients like VINEGAR and LEMON to the fundamental chemical property of ACID, and even the unfortunate state of RANCID foods, the spectrum of 'sour' is broad. Don't forget its application to emotions or situations, where a 'sour' disposition might lead you to answers like UNHAPPY or GRUMPY, or a 'sour deal' indicating a bad outcome. Always look for accompanying words or the overall theme of the puzzle for clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms Broadly: Think not just of direct taste synonyms like TART or ACID, but also words implying a metaphorical 'sourness' such as PUNGENT, BITTER, or even terms related to an unpleasant mood or outcome.
- Check for Contextual Clues: Does the clue hint at food ("sour milk"), chemistry ("sour solution"), or emotions ("sour expression")? This will narrow down your options significantly, for instance, leading to RANCID, ACID, or UNHAPPY respectively.
- Count Letters Meticulously: The exact letter count is your most reliable friend. A 4-letter answer for 'sour' is very different from a 7-letter one, immediately eliminating many possibilities and guiding you toward the correct solution.
For more advice and general strategies to master any crossword, visit our comprehensive page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'sour' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'sour' include TART, ACID, LEMON (when referring to the fruit's taste), BITTER, and even terms like UNHAPPY or GLUM when used metaphorically for a mood or disposition. The context of the clue is key to choosing the right synonym.
How can the number of letters help solve a 'sour' clue?
The number of letters is an essential hint! For instance, if you need a 4-letter word, ACID or TART are strong candidates. A 5-letter answer might suggest LEMON, while longer answers like RANCID or VINEGAR (7 letters) point to more specific types of sourness or spoilage. Always use the letter count to narrow down possibilities first.
Does 'sour' always refer to taste in crosswords?
Not always! While 'sour' most commonly refers to a taste, it can also describe a mood (e.g., 'sour disposition', leading to answers like UNHAPPY or GRUMPY), or a situation that has gone wrong (e.g., 'sour grapes' implying resentment or a bad outcome). Always consider the full clue and any accompanying words for context beyond just taste.