sullies crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "sullies crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "sullies crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TAINT: To contaminate or corrupt, often used in a moral sense or to spoil something's purity.
STAIN: To mark or discolor something with a spot or streak; can also mean to damage one's reputation.
7 Letters
DEFILES: To make something dirty or impure; to desecrate or spoil the character of something.
DIRTIES: To make something dirty, to soil or foul.
8 Letters
POLLUTES: To contaminate the environment or something with harmful substances, making it unfit for use.
9 Letters
TARNISHES: To make dull or spoil the quality of something, especially a metal surface; metaphorically, to damage a reputation.
10 Letters
BESMIRCHES: To damage the reputation of (someone or something) in the eyes of others; to make dirty or discolor.
More About "sullies crossword clue"
"Sullies" is a verb that means to make something dirty or to spoil something's purity or integrity. It often appears in crosswords due to its multiple synonyms across various letter counts, making it a versatile clue. The term can be used literally, as in "the mud sullies the clean floor," or metaphorically, as in "scandal sullies one's reputation." Understanding this dual meaning is key to cracking related crossword clues.
When you encounter "sullies" in a crossword, think about words that convey the idea of making something less pristine, whether physically or morally. Crossword constructors love these types of words because they allow for a wide range of answers, testing your vocabulary depth. Common patterns involve prefixes like 'de-' (defiles) or words related to dirt and damage.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count: Always check the number of letters required. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities for a clue like "sullies."
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Crosswords often use synonyms or antonyms. Think about words that mean the opposite of "sullies" to sometimes get a hint, or focus on direct synonyms like 'taint,' 'stain,' 'dirty,' 'pollute,' or 'tarnish.'
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters filled in around the blank, use them! This is crucial for confirming a potential answer. For instance, if you have 'D_F_L_S', 'DEFILES' becomes much more obvious.
- Context Matters: While "sullies" generally means to spoil, the rest of the puzzle's theme or other clues might give a hint about whether the answer is literal (e.g., about dirt) or metaphorical (e.g., about reputation).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sullies' mean in a crossword context?
'Sullies' means to spoil, damage, or make dirty. In crosswords, it often points to synonyms like TAINT, STAIN, DEFILES, or POLLUTES, depending on the number of letters required.
How can I quickly find the right answer for 'sullies'?
Look at the number of letters specified for the blank. Common answers for 'sullies' vary by length, so knowing the letter count will help you narrow down options like TAINT (5 letters) or DEFILES (7 letters).
Are there other common synonyms for 'sullies' in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include soil, dirty, blemish, contaminate, corrupt, or tarnish. The specific answer will depend on the puzzle's theme and letter count.