tainted crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're searching for solutions to the clue 'tainted crossword clue', you've come to the right place. We provide quick and comprehensive answers for all word lengths, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the nuances of the word and improve your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "tainted crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
SPOILED: Ruined in quality or character, often losing freshness.
CORRUPT: Morally depraved or made impure, especially by bribery.
SULLIED: Made dirty, stained, or impaired the quality of, especially reputation.
DEFILED: Made foul, dirty, or unclean; desecrated.
STAINED: Marked with a dirty spot, discoloration, or a blemish on one's reputation.
8 Letters
POLLUTED: Contaminated with harmful or poisonous substances.
11 Letters
ADULTERATED: Rendered poorer in quality by adding another substance, typically an inferior one; often applied to food or drink.
12 Letters
CONTAMINATED: Made impure or unsuitable by contact with or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance.
More About "tainted crossword clue"
The word 'tainted' often appears in crosswords, challenging solvers to consider its various connotations. It can refer to something physically impure, like 'tainted food', or something morally compromised, like a 'tainted reputation' or 'tainted evidence'. Crossword setters love words with multiple layers of meaning, and 'tainted' is a prime example.
When encountering 'tainted crossword clue', solvers should think broadly about synonyms for 'impure', 'corrupted', 'spoiled', or 'stained'. The length of the answer can often narrow down the possibilities significantly. Common answers include words like SPOILED, CORRUPT, SULLIED, or even longer words like CONTAMINATED or ADULTERATED, depending on the specific nuance the setter is aiming for.
Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms is key. For instance, 'sullied' often implies a stain on reputation, while 'polluted' points more towards environmental or physical contamination. By considering the context implied by the clue, you can better deduce the intended answer, making it a rewarding experience to crack these types of clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Word Lengths: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is your most powerful tool for narrowing down possibilities. For 'tainted crossword clue', a 7-letter answer might be SPOILED, while an 8-letter answer could be POLLUTED.
- Explore Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword clues often rely on direct synonyms or antonyms. For a word like 'tainted', brainstorm words that mean 'corrupted', 'spoiled', 'impure', or even the opposite, 'pure' or 'clean', to trigger related concepts.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes, the puzzle's theme or other completed words can hint at whether 'tainted' refers to food, reputation, or a moral issue. Pay attention to surrounding clues or the puzzle's title.
- Don't Be Afraid to Use a Helper: If you're stuck, using a crossword helper or dictionary can provide new perspectives and common solutions you might have overlooked. But try to work it out yourself first!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common crossword strategies for 'tainted' clues?
When solving clues like 'tainted', focus on synonyms related to impurity, corruption, or spoilage. Consider the letter count and whether the clue suggests a physical, moral, or reputational 'taint'. Common answers include SPOILED, CORRUPT, SULLIED, and POLLUTED.
How does the letter count help with 'tainted crossword clue'?
The letter count is crucial. If the answer is 7 letters, options like SPOILED or CORRUPT are strong candidates. If it's longer, say 11 or 12 letters, consider ADULTERATED or CONTAMINATED. Always use the letter count to narrow down your choices.
Can 'tainted' also mean morally corrupt in crosswords?
Absolutely. 'Tainted' is frequently used in crosswords to refer to moral corruption or a blemished reputation, in addition to physical impurity. Words like CORRUPT or DEFILED would fit these contexts well.