used up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "used up", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by length, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "used up crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
OUT: Finished or no longer available, as in 'time is out'.
4 Letters
GONE: Consumed entirely or no longer present, e.g., 'all the cookies are gone'.
5 Letters
SPENT: Exhausted of energy, money, or resources, like 'spent all his savings'.
8 Letters
DEPLETED: Significantly reduced in quantity or content, often used for resources.
CONSUMED: Eaten, used completely, or destroyed.
FINISHED: Brought to an end or completed; no longer available.
9 Letters
EXHAUSTED: Completely drained of physical or mental energy; also, fully consumed.
More About "used up crossword clue"
The clue "used up" is a common staple in crosswords, often appearing in various forms. It's a versatile phrase that can refer to physical depletion (like a resource running out), emotional or physical exhaustion, or simply something being finished or consumed. Recognising these different contexts is key to cracking the clue.
Crossword setters love clues like "used up" because they allow for a range of synonymous answers, from short and punchy words like 'OUT' or 'GONE' to longer, more descriptive terms like 'DEPLETED' or 'EXHAUSTED'. The challenge for solvers lies in identifying which specific synonym fits the puzzle's letter count and intersecting words. This type of clue often tests your vocabulary breadth and your ability to think of multiple interpretations for a seemingly straightforward phrase.
Understanding the nuances of "used up" can help you in other puzzles too. It's a prime example of how everyday language is manipulated to create clever and challenging clues. Always consider the literal and figurative meanings, and don't be afraid to brainstorm several synonyms before committing to one answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always start by counting the number of boxes available for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and eliminates words that are too short or too long.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: Fill in any crossing letters you have from other completed clues. These letters are crucial for confirming or rejecting potential answers for "used up".
- Consider Synonyms and Context: For clues like "used up," think broadly about all its possible synonyms. Does the puzzle's theme or other clues suggest a specific context (e.g., resources, energy, time)?
- Think of Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes "used up" can be part of a phrasal verb. While we've focused on single-word answers here, be aware that clues can sometimes hint at multi-word solutions, although typically marked differently.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for 'used up'?
Crossword clues often have multiple synonyms or related terms that can fit. 'Used up' can refer to physical consumption (like resources), emotional state (exhausted), or completion (finished). The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and the crossing letters in your puzzle.
How do I choose the correct answer for 'used up' in my crossword?
The best way is to match the number of letters with the potential answers provided. Then, use any crossing letters you have already filled in from other clues. This will help narrow down the possibilities to the one correct solution for your puzzle.
What if none of the answers fit my puzzle?
If none of the suggested answers for 'used up' fit, double-check the clue itself for any subtle nuances. Also, re-evaluate the crossing letters you've filled in, as a mistake in an adjacent clue could prevent the correct word from fitting. Sometimes, a clue might have a very specific, less common synonym.