sully crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find the comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "sully". We provide answers across all possible letter counts, along with clear explanations to help you understand the context and improve your solving skills.
Solutions for "sully crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TAINT: To corrupt or spoil something, often its reputation.
STAIN: To discolour or leave a mark, often figuratively on character.
6 Letters
DEFILE: To make something impure or dirty, often sacred or revered.
7 Letters
POLLUTE: To contaminate with harmful or poisonous substances.
TARNISH: To lose or cause to lose lustre, especially metal; to damage the good reputation of.
8 Letters
DISHONOR: To bring shame or disgrace upon.
More About "sully crossword clue"
The word "sully" is a common clue in crosswords, often pointing towards a range of synonyms related to spoiling, tainting, or disgracing something. Understanding the nuances of these synonyms is key to cracking the puzzle. Clues involving "sully" can test your vocabulary depth, as it can apply to physical cleanliness, moral purity, or reputation.
When you encounter "sully" in a crossword, think broadly about its implications. Is it asking for a word related to staining a garment, or more abstractly, blemishing a good name? The context provided by other intersecting words is crucial. Common pitfalls include focusing too narrowly on the idea of physical dirt and missing the metaphorical meanings that are frequently used in cryptic or even standard crosswords.
Our comprehensive list of answers aims to cover the most common solutions you'll find for "sully," ensuring you have all the options at your fingertips. Remember that crosswords love to play on words, so always consider both literal and figurative interpretations.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always start by looking at the available letters and the required length. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for clues like "sully."
- Check Intersecting Words: The letters filled in by crossing clues are your best friends. They can confirm or rule out potential answers for "sully" very quickly.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For a word like "sully," brainstorm as many synonyms as possible. Also, sometimes a clue might be phrased as an antonym, requiring you to think of words that mean the opposite of "sully" and then find an opposite-of-opposite answer.
- Look for Figurative Meanings: Many crossword setters use words like "sully" for their less obvious, figurative meanings (e.g., tarnishing a reputation, rather than just getting dirty).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sully' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'sully' typically refers to actions that tarnish, spoil, or disgrace something or someone. Common synonyms include 'stain,' 'taint,' 'deface,' 'defile,' or 'pollute,' often referring to reputation or purity.
How can I distinguish between 'sully' answers like 'taint' and 'stain'?
While 'taint' and 'stain' are often interchangeable for 'sully,' subtle nuances can help. 'Taint' often implies a moral or qualitative corruption, while 'stain' can be more about a visible mark or blemish, though both are used figuratively for reputation. The number of letters and intersecting clues are key.
Are there any common misinterpretations of 'sully' in crosswords?
Sometimes solvers might focus too literally on the 'dirt' aspect and overlook more abstract meanings like 'disgrace' or 'dishonor.' It's important to consider both physical and metaphorical interpretations of the word.