taint crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "taint crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "taint crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MAR: To spoil or impair the quality or appearance of something.
4 Letters
FOUL: To make dirty or polluted, often in a moral sense.
5 Letters
STAIN: A mark or discoloration; also, to damage one's reputation or character.
SULLY: To damage the purity or integrity of something; defile.
6 Letters
DEFILE: To make something dirty or no longer pure; violate the sanctity of.
7 Letters
CORRUPT: To cause to become morally depraved; to spoil or destroy the integrity of.
TARNISH: To lose or cause to lose lustre, especially of metal; to damage or discredit a reputation.
More About "taint crossword clue"
The clue "taint" in a crossword puzzle typically refers to the act of spoiling, contaminating, or polluting something, whether physically or morally. It implies a loss of purity, integrity, or quality. Common synonyms for 'taint' include words like mar, stain, sully, defile, corrupt, or blemish, each carrying a slightly different nuance but all pointing to a negative impact on an object, substance, or reputation.
When encountering this clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a historical puzzle hinting at a scandal that tainted a politician's career? Or a scientific one discussing how a contaminant could taint a water supply? Understanding the broader theme can often guide you to the most fitting answer among the many possibilities for 'taint'. The versatility of this word makes it a frequent visitor in crosswords of all difficulty levels.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Intersecting Clues: Always use the letters from already solved intersecting words. These will be your biggest hints for narrowing down options for "taint".
- Consider the Source: Some crosswords (e.g., cryptic vs. standard) might use "taint" in different ways. A cryptic clue might use a pun or anagram related to the word.
- Think of Word Nuances: Does the clue imply a physical stain (STAIN, FOUL) or a moral one (CORRUPT, SULLY)? This distinction can help you choose the best fitting synonym for 'taint'.
- Use a Crossword Solver (Wisely): If you're truly stuck, our site provides a list of common answers. Use it to check possibilities, but try to understand why an answer fits, to improve your future solving skills.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'taint' mean in a crossword context?
'Taint' in a crossword context typically refers to synonyms of corrupt, spoil, stain, blemish, or defile. It suggests a process where something is made impure or its quality is degraded. Common answers might include MAR, SPOIL, STAIN, SULLY, or CORRUPT.
How can I figure out the letter length for 'taint crossword clue'?
The number of empty squares in your crossword grid will indicate the exact letter length required for the answer. For example, if there are five empty squares, you'll need a 5-letter word like STAIN or SULLY. Always check the grid first!
Are there multiple answers for 'taint' in crosswords?
Yes, 'taint' is a very common crossword clue with many possible answers depending on the specific puzzle's length requirements and other intersecting words. It's crucial to consider all possible synonyms that fit the given letter count and existing letters in the grid.