tarnishes crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "tarnishes crossword clue," designed to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Explore all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful insights.
Solutions for "tarnishes crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DULLS: Makes something less shiny or bright, often associated with metals losing their luster.
RUSTS: Corrodes metal, specifically iron, forming a reddish-brown coating through oxidation.
7 Letters
SULLIES: Damages the purity, integrity, or reputation of something, often metaphorically.
8 Letters
CORRODES: Destroys or weakens gradually by chemical action or erosion, applicable to various materials.
9 Letters
BLEMISHES: Spoils the appearance of something; flaws or defects.
More About "tarnishes crossword clue"
The term "tarnishes" in a crossword clue can be delightfully tricky, often playing on both its literal and figurative meanings. Literally, tarnish is a chemical process that dulls the surface of a metal, like silver losing its shine due to exposure to air and moisture. This sense frequently leads to answers like DULLS or RUSTS, especially if the clue hints at metals or oxidation.
Figuratively, "tarnishes" means to spoil, stain, or damage the purity, integrity, or reputation of something or someone. This broader interpretation allows for a wider range of answers such as SULLIES, BLEMISHES, or even STAINS. Crossword setters love to exploit this duality, requiring solvers to consider the context of the clue very carefully.
When you encounter 'tarnishes' in a puzzle, always consider the length of the required answer and any other words in the clue that might provide a subtle hint towards either a physical or abstract meaning. Understanding this common crossword trick will significantly improve your solving success.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Word Length: Always check the number of boxes provided. This is your most direct hint to narrow down possible answers for 'tarnishes' (e.g., 5 letters for DULLS, 7 for SULLIES).
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword clues often rely on direct or indirect synonyms. For "tarnishes," think about words that mean "to make dull" or "to spoil." Occasionally, the opposite meaning (antonym) might be clued, testing your understanding of word relationships.
- Pay Attention to Tense and Number: The clue "tarnishes" is in the present tense, third person singular. This means your answer must also be in the same form (e.g., DULLS, RUSTS, SULLIES), not 'tarnished' or 'tarnishing'.
- Context is King: Read the entire clue carefully. If the clue mentions "silver" or "metal," you're likely looking for a literal answer like RUSTS. If it speaks of "reputation" or "honor," a figurative answer like SULLIES is more probable.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'tarnish' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'tarnish' typically refers to the dulling of a metal surface due to oxidation, or more broadly, to spoil, stain, or damage the reputation or appearance of something. Clues might hint at either the literal chemical process or the figurative damage.
Are there common synonyms for 'tarnishes' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms that often appear as answers include DULLS, RUSTS, STAINS, SULLIES, BLEMISHES, and CORRODES. The specific answer depends on the letter count and the nuance of the clue.
How can I distinguish between literal and figurative meanings of 'tarnishes' in a clue?
Look for accompanying words. If the clue mentions 'silver,' 'metal,' or 'oxidation,' it's likely literal. If it refers to 'reputation,' 'image,' or 'honor,' it suggests a figurative meaning. Context is key to picking the correct answer.