undermine crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "undermine crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and back to solving your puzzle.
Solutions for "undermine crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SAP: To gradually weaken or destroy, often by stealth or by drawing away vital resources.
5 Letters
ERODE: To wear away or diminish gradually, often used in a physical sense like soil erosion, but also figuratively.
6 Letters
WEAKEN: To make or become less strong, effective, or powerful; a direct synonym for undermine.
7 Letters
SUBVERT: To undermine the power and authority of an established system or institution, often involving a betrayal of loyalty.
8 Letters
UNDERCUT: To offer goods or services at a lower price than a competitor, or to weaken the position or effectiveness of someone or something, similar to undermine.
10 Letters
DEBILITATE: To make (someone) very weak and infirm, often implying a severe physical or mental weakening.
More About "undermine crossword"
The clue "undermine" is a classic crossword staple, often appearing in puzzles from various publications like The Guardian, New York Times, and cryptic crosswords. It challenges solvers to think beyond the most obvious synonyms, as its meaning can range from a literal erosion of ground to a figurative weakening of morale or authority. Common answers reflect this versatility, encompassing actions that gradually wear down, covertly weaken, or directly challenge.
Understanding the nuance of "undermine" is key. While "weaken" is a straightforward synonym, clues might lean towards words like "erode" for physical contexts, "sap" for a draining of strength, or "subvert" for political or systemic weakening. Always consider the surrounding letters and the type of crossword you're solving to pinpoint the most accurate answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down your options for a clue like "undermine."
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by matching it with letters from intersecting words. If 'ERODE' fits vertically or horizontally, that's your solution.
- Think of Nuances and Context: For clues like "undermine," consider if the puzzle leans towards a physical action (erode), a gradual draining (sap), or a strategic weakening (subvert, undercut).
- Use a Crossword Solver (Wisely): If you're truly stuck, use a solver like Crosswordanswer.co.uk, but try to understand *why* an answer is correct. This builds your own crossword-solving intuition.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for one crossword clue like 'undermine'?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers because words can have many synonyms or different shades of meaning depending on the specific puzzle context. 'Undermine' can refer to a physical wearing down, a strategic weakening, or a moral corrosion, each suggesting different solutions.
How can I figure out the correct 'undermine' answer if there are several options?
The best approach is to check the number of letters in the answer you need. Then, look at the intersecting words from other clues. Filling in a few letters from other clues will usually reveal which of the possible answers for 'undermine' fits the grid.
Are 'undermine' and 'weaken' always interchangeable in crosswords?
While 'undermine' often implies 'to weaken', they are not always perfectly interchangeable. 'Undermine' typically suggests a more subtle, gradual, or covert weakening process, whereas 'weaken' is a broader term. The nuance in the clue or surrounding letters will guide you.