stain crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "stain crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "stain crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MAR: To damage or spoil something, often its appearance or quality.
4 Letters
BLOT: A spot or mark, especially one made by ink or dirt.
SPOT: A small mark, blemish, or discolored area.
5 Letters
TAINT: To contaminate or corrupt, often implying damage to reputation or purity.
6 Letters
SMUDGE: A dirty mark or smear, typically made by rubbing or handling.
7 Letters
BLEMISH: A small mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something.
8 Letters
DISCOLOR: To change the color of something, especially to a worse or less attractive hue.
More About "stain crossword"
"Stain" is a versatile word in crosswords, often hinting at more than just a physical mark. While it can certainly refer to a visible blemish on a surface, clues using "stain" frequently delve into its metaphorical meanings, such as a blemish on one's character or reputation. This dual nature requires solvers to consider both literal and figurative interpretations.
Common synonyms that appear as answers range from straightforward physical marks like BLOT or SPOT to words implying contamination or spoilage, such as TAINT or SULLY. The number of letters and the specific wording of the clue are crucial in determining which synonym is the correct fit. Always consider if the clue points to a permanent mark, a temporary smudge, or a lasting impairment of integrity.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "stain," consider if it implies a physical mark (e.g., ink stain) or a metaphorical one (e.g., a stain on one's record). This distinction often leads to the correct answer.
- Check Surrounding Letters: Don't just look at the clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends in narrowing down possibilities, especially when multiple answers have the same letter count.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is the clue asking for a noun (e.g., "a stain") or a verb (e.g., "to stain")? Matching the part of speech is a fundamental crossword strategy that can quickly eliminate incorrect solutions.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword setters love to use synonyms or less common meanings. If the most obvious answer doesn't fit, think of other words that could describe a "stain" in a different context.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for "stain" in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'stain' in crosswords include BLOT, SPOT, MAR, TAINT, BLEMISH, SMUDGE, and SOIL. The best fit will depend on the number of letters required and the specific context of the clue within the puzzle.
Can "stain" refer to something non-physical in crosswords?
Yes, absolutely! 'Stain' frequently refers to a moral blemish or damage to one's reputation (e.g., a 'stain on one's character'). In such cases, answers like TAINT or SULLY are common and indicate a non-physical meaning.
How do I know if a "stain" clue refers to a verb or a noun?
Pay close attention to the clue's phrasing. If the clue implies an action, such as 'to stain' or 'make a mark,' it's likely a verb (e.g., MAR, SOIL, DISCOLOR). If the clue suggests an object or an existing mark, like 'a stain' or 'a mark left behind,' it's probably a noun (e.g., BLOT, SPOT, BLEMISH). The part of speech in the clue usually matches the answer.