spoils crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and are stuck on the clue "spoils crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, explained to help you complete your crossword and expand your vocabulary.
Solutions for "spoils crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
RUINS: To destroy or severely damage something.
LOOTS: To steal goods, typically during a war or riot.
HARMS: To cause damage or injury to.
6 Letters
WRECKS: To destroy or severely damage (a vehicle, structure, etc.).
8 Letters
PLUNDERS: To steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder.
INDULGES: To allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of; also, to give in to a desire or whim (as in spoiling a child).
8 Letters
CORRUPTS: To cause to become morally depraved; also, to make errors or changes in.
More About "spoils crossword clue"
The term "spoils" in a crossword clue is a classic example of how setters leverage the multiple meanings of a single word to create challenging yet fair puzzles. Depending on the context, "spoils" can refer to the act of damaging or ruining something, as in 'the rain spoils the picnic'. In this sense, common answers revolve around destruction or impairment.
However, "spoils" can also refer to goods taken by force, especially from an enemy in war, often called 'spoils of war'. This usage points to answers related to plunder or loot. Furthermore, another nuanced meaning involves excessive pampering, often seen in phrases like 'spoiling a child', which brings in answers related to indulgence. Understanding which definition the clue hints at is key to finding the correct solution.
Our solutions above cover these diverse interpretations, ensuring you have all the possibilities at your fingertips whether the clue points to decay, theft, or over-the-top generosity.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Always think about all possible definitions of a word like "spoils." Crossword clues often play on these ambiguities.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to narrow down the possible answers based on their length and letter patterns.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the puzzle's theme, or other clues in the same puzzle, might hint at whether "spoils" means to ruin, to loot, or to pamper.
- Identify Part of Speech: Is "spoils" used as a verb (e.g., 'he spoils the broth') or a noun (e.g., 'the spoils of victory')? This can greatly influence the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for "spoils" found in crosswords?
In crosswords, "spoils" often refers to damaging or ruining something, with common synonyms including RUINS, HARMS, MARS, or WRECKS. It can also refer to plundered goods, in which case LOOTS, BOOTY, or PLUNDER are frequently seen answers.
How can the word length help in solving "spoils" clues?
The length of the answer is a crucial hint. For "spoils," 5-letter answers like RUINS, LOOTS, or HARMS are common. Longer answers might include WRECKS (6 letters), PLUNDERS or INDULGES (8 letters), or CORRUPTS (9 letters), depending on the specific nuance the clue is aiming for.
Does "spoils" ever refer to something positive in a crossword clue?
Yes, while often meaning to ruin, "spoils" can also refer to the 'spoils of war' (booty, plunder) or the act of 'spoiling' someone with treats or excessive indulgence (e.g., INDULGES). Crossword setters love to use these multiple meanings to make clues trickier.