spoil crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "spoil crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the perfect solution.
Solutions for "spoil crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MAR: To damage or impair the quality of something.
4 Letters
RUIN: To cause something to be severely damaged or destroyed.
5 Letters
WRECK: To destroy or severely damage something, especially a structure or vehicle.
6 Letters
DAMAGE: To cause physical harm to something, impairing its value or function.
7 Letters
CORRUPT: To cause something to become morally debased or to alter its original state for the worse.
More About "spoil crossword"
"Spoil" is a versatile word in the English language, and its meaning in a crossword clue can vary significantly depending on context. It commonly refers to damaging or ruining something, like a plan or an object, such as when one might "spoil" a surprise. However, it can also mean to decay, particularly in reference to food, like milk "spoiling" in the heat. Crossword setters often play on these multiple meanings.
Another common interpretation of "spoil" is to overindulge or pamper someone, often a child, to their detriment, as in "to spoil a child." This diversity makes "spoil" a fantastic clue for crossword puzzles, requiring solvers to consider the length of the answer and surrounding letters to pinpoint the correct synonym. Always consider the nuance of the clue – is it about destruction, decay, or over-pampering?
Understanding these different facets of "spoil" will not only help you solve the current puzzle but also prepare you for future clues that might leverage similar wordplay or semantic breadth. Context is king in crosswords, and words like "spoil" truly highlight this principle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: For words like "spoil" with multiple definitions (ruin, decay, pamper), think about which meaning fits the letter count and surrounding letters.
- Check letter count carefully: Always ensure your chosen answer matches the exact number of letters required by the grid. Even one letter off can derail your entire puzzle.
- Look at crossing words: Use any letters provided by intersecting words as clues. They are your best friends in narrowing down possibilities.
- Think about parts of speech: If "spoil" is clued as a verb, look for a verb. If it's a noun (e.g., "the spoils of war"), look for a noun.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "spoil" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "spoil" often refers to ruining, damaging, or harming something. It can also imply decay (like food spoiling) or overindulging someone (like spoiling a child). The specific context of the clue and surrounding letters helps narrow down the intended meaning.
How can I find synonyms for "spoil" quickly for my crossword?
To quickly find synonyms for "spoil," consider using a thesaurus, an online crossword solver, or a reverse dictionary. Think about different senses of the word: to damage, to indulge, to decay, to corrupt. Checking common prefixes or suffixes can also sometimes help.
Are there different types of "spoil" clues in crosswords?
Yes, "spoil" can appear in various forms. It could be a straightforward synonym clue (e.g., "Spoil, as plans"), a descriptive clue (e.g., "What happens to old food"), or even part of a cryptic clue where the wordplay points to a synonym of "spoil." Always consider the word length and any crossing letters.