stained crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the crossword clue "stained," categorized by word length to help you quickly complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "stained crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DYED: Imparted color, often permanently changing the material's appearance.
6 Letters
MARKED: Left a visible sign, often a spot or blemish.
TINGED: Given a slight color or quality.
7 Letters
TAINTED: Contaminated or corrupted, often morally or reputationally, but also physically discolored.
SPOTTED: Marked with small, distinct areas of discoloration.
9 Letters
BLEMISHED: Spoiled the appearance of something with a mark or flaw.
11 Letters
DISCOLOURED: Changed the color of something, especially in an undesirable way.
More About "stained crossword clue"
"Stained" is a versatile crossword clue that can refer to a multitude of situations, from a literal mark on clothing to a metaphorical blemish on one's reputation. In crosswords, clues like "stained" often test your ability to think synonymously across various contexts. You might find answers relating to color alteration, damage, or even moral corruption. The key is to consider the nuance of the word and how it fits with the letter count and surrounding letters in your puzzle.
When encountering "stained" in a crossword, don't limit yourself to just physical marks. Think about its figurative meanings too. A reputation can be "stained," a character can be "tainted," or a record can be "blemished." This broad interpretability is what makes "stained" a rich and sometimes tricky clue, requiring a comprehensive understanding of its various connotations.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always consider the theme of the puzzle or the other clues if you're stuck. Sometimes a specific clue's meaning is hinted at by the surrounding words.
- Check Letter Counts: If you have an answer in mind, but it doesn't fit the letter count, discard it and think of synonyms. Our page helps by grouping answers by length.
- Think Synonyms Broadly: For words like "stained," consider all possible synonyms – literal (dyed, marked) and figurative (tainted, blemished).
- Utilize Cross-References: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words to narrow down possibilities for the "stained" clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to approach a vague crossword clue like "stained"?
Start by considering its most common literal meanings (e.g., marked, colored). Then, if those don't fit, expand to metaphorical meanings (e.g., tarnished, corrupted). Always check the letter count and intersecting words for hints.
Are crossword answers always in English?
While most English-language crosswords use English words, some may include proper nouns, foreign words commonly used in English, or even abbreviations. Always be mindful of the puzzle's specific conventions.
How can I improve my crossword solving speed?
Practice regularly, build your vocabulary, learn common crosswordese (words frequently used in puzzles), and study common clue patterns. Don't be afraid to use resources like ours when you're truly stuck, but try to solve as much as you can on your own first.