spoiled crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "spoiled," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide your puzzle-solving process.
Solutions for "spoiled crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
BAD: Simple and direct, often referring to food that has gone off or behavior that is undesirable.
OFF: Commonly used to describe food that is no longer fresh, as in "the milk went off."
6 Letters
ROTTEN: Implies decay, especially for organic matter like fruit or wood. Can also mean morally corrupt.
RUINED: Damaged beyond repair; can also describe a person whose life or reputation has been destroyed, or someone who has been excessively indulged.
MARRED: To impair the appearance or quality of something; disfigure.
7 Letters
TAINTED: Contaminated or polluted; also, morally corrupted.
DECAYED: Gradually disintegrated, as in dead organic matter. Similar to 'rotten'.
8 Letters
PAMPERED: Treated with excessive care and attention, often to the point of spoiling a person's character.
INDULGED: Allowed oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something; also, given in to desires or whims, especially for someone else's benefit in an excessive way.
More About "spoiled crossword clue"
The word "spoiled" is a fascinating one for crossword constructors due to its dual nature. It can refer to something that has become rotten or damaged, like food or a beautiful view "spoiled" by pollution. In this context, answers often relate to decay, damage, or corruption, such as ROTTEN, RUINED, TAINTED, or DECAYED.
On the other hand, "spoiled" can also mean to over-indulge someone, leading to a negative character trait, as in a "spoiled child." Here, common answers lean towards words like PAMPERED or INDULGED. Crossword setters often use this ambiguity to create clever clues, requiring solvers to consider the broader context of the puzzle or other intersecting words.
When encountering "spoiled" in a clue, first consider the number of letters you need. Then, think about whether the clue leans towards a state of decay/damage or a state of excessive indulgence. Often, the surrounding words in the clue (if any) or the theme of the puzzle can provide valuable hints to steer you in the right direction.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: Always remember that many words, like "spoiled," have multiple distinct meanings. If an answer related to one meaning doesn't fit, pivot to the other.
- Check Letter Count: The length of the answer is your most important guide. Always refer back to the number of available boxes.
- Look for Context Clues: Sometimes the clue will include subtle hints. For "spoiled," it might mention "food," "child," or "view," directing you to the correct interpretation.
- Think Synonyms: Brainstorm all possible synonyms for both meanings of "spoiled." Even if they don't fit, they might trigger related words that do.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many meanings does 'spoiled' have in crosswords?
'Spoiled' is a versatile crossword clue with at least two main categories of meaning: 'damaged/decayed' (e.g., food, plans) and 'over-indulged' (e.g., a child, a pet). Recognizing which context the clue implies is key to finding the correct answer.
What's the shortest common answer for 'spoiled'?
Some of the shortest common answers for 'spoiled' include 'BAD' or 'OFF', both being 3 letters long. These usually refer to food that has gone off.
Are there any cryptic meanings for 'spoiled' in crosswords?
Yes, 'spoiled' can sometimes appear in cryptic clues, hinting at 'marred' or 'ruined' in a less direct way, or even referring to something that has been 'plundered' or 'taken as spoils'. Always consider the wordplay in cryptic puzzles.