stinking crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "stinking crossword," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Discover the perfect word, no matter the length!
Solutions for "stinking crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FOUL: Often used to describe something that smells very bad or is highly unpleasant.
5 Letters
FETID: Characterized by an extremely unpleasant smell; malodorous.
6 Letters
PUTRID: Decaying or rotten and emitting a fetid smell.
7 Letters
NOXIOUS: Harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant, particularly in terms of smell.
9 Letters
OFFENSIVE: Causing offense; disagreeable or annoying, especially in terms of smell.
More About "stinking crossword"
The clue "stinking crossword" primarily points towards words describing a strong, unpleasant smell. This is a common type of clue in crosswords, relying on synonyms for bad odors. The key is to consider the nuance of "stinking" – is it merely unpleasant, or does it suggest decay, pollution, or something harmful?
Crossword setters love to use descriptive adjectives, and words like FOUL, FETID, and PUTRID are staples in this category. Sometimes, clues might imply a figurative "stinking" – meaning something is extremely bad or corrupt, rather than literally smelly. Always keep an eye out for such double meanings, as they can be a common trick in more challenging puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Always verify the number of letters you need. This is the most crucial step in narrowing down potential answers, especially for clues like "stinking" which can have many synonyms.
- Consider Nuance: Does "stinking" imply a simply bad smell, or something more specific like decay (PUTRID), toxicity (NOXIOUS), or just general unpleasantness (OFFENSIVE)? The subtle differences can guide you.
- Look for Common Crossword Answers: Some words, like FOUL, appear very frequently for general "bad" or "unpleasant" clues. Familiarity with common crossword vocabulary can significantly speed up your solving process.
- Check Surrounding Clues: If you're stuck, solving intersecting words can provide crucial letters, making the "stinking crossword" clue much easier to fill in.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'stinking' imply in a crossword clue?
'Stinking' typically refers to something emitting a strong, unpleasant odor. In crossword clues, it often points to synonyms like FOUL, FETID, PUTRID, NOXIOUS, or OFFENSIVE. The context might also hint at something being extremely bad or contemptible, depending on the setter's interpretation.
How can I narrow down answers for smell-related clues?
When facing smell-related clues, consider the tone implied: is it just bad, or is it putrid/rotten? Check the number of letters required. Also, think about common crossword tropes for such words; for example, 'foul' is a very frequent answer for general unpleasantness.
Are there other meanings of 'stinking' that could appear in crosswords?
Beyond literal bad smells, 'stinking' can be used informally to mean extremely bad, of very poor quality, or even extremely wealthy (e.g., 'stinking rich'). Crossword setters sometimes play on these alternative meanings, so always consider the broader context of the clue and any other solved letters in the grid.