vicious crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the crossword clue "vicious", organized by word length to help you solve your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "vicious crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CRUEL: Causing pain or suffering to others, or enjoying others' suffering.
NASTY: Highly unpleasant, offensive, or malicious.
6 Letters
MALIGN: Evil in nature or effect, or to speak about someone in a critical and hostile manner.
FIERCE: Having an intense or savage ferocity, or showing powerful and destructive intensity.
WICKED: Evil or morally wrong, often implying an intention to cause harm or trouble.
SAVAGE: Fierce, cruel, or uncontrolled in nature, often implying brutality or wildness.
More About "vicious crossword clue"
"Vicious" is a versatile word in crosswords, frequently appearing as a straightforward synonym clue. Its core meaning revolves around cruelty, malice, and severe, aggressive behavior. When you encounter "vicious" in a crossword, the setter is typically looking for a word that conveys a sense of harmful intent, strong negative emotion, or a dangerous nature. Common synonyms that fit this bill include 'cruel', 'nasty', 'malign', 'fierce', and 'wicked', among others.
The challenge often lies in matching the exact nuance and letter count required by the puzzle. For instance, 'fierce' might be used for an animal's aggressive nature, while 'malign' could refer to a harmful influence or character. Paying close attention to any surrounding words in the clue (if it's part of a phrase) or the context of the puzzle itself can help narrow down the possibilities. Remember that crosswords sometimes play on subtle distinctions between synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always check the number of letters needed. This is the most crucial filter for 'vicious' and any other clue, immediately narrowing down your options.
- Consider Nuances of Synonymy: While 'vicious' broadly means cruel, think about specific contexts. Is it a 'vicious' rumour (MALIGN), a 'vicious' attack (FIERCE, SAVAGE), or a 'vicious' person (CRUEL, WICKED)? This can guide your answer choice.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: For words related to 'vicious', answers often start with 'M', 'C', 'F', 'N', or 'W'. Knowing this can help when you have a few letters filled in.
- Check Surrounding Clues: If a word like 'vicious' is giving you trouble, solve adjacent clues first. The letters you fill in from those answers will provide crucial missing letters for your "vicious" solution.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'vicious' typically imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'vicious' often points to synonyms related to cruelty, malice, intense hostility, or a severe, dangerous quality. Common answers include words like CRUEL, NASTY, MALIGN, FIERCE, or WICKED, focusing on the negative or harmful aspects of the term.
How can I approach a crossword clue like 'vicious' if I'm stuck?
If you're stuck on 'vicious', consider the number of letters you need. Then, brainstorm synonyms that fit that length. Think about different contexts where 'vicious' is used (e.g., a vicious dog, a vicious rumour, a vicious circle). Also, look at surrounding letters in the puzzle for hints. Sometimes, a less common synonym might be the answer.
Are there any common crossword 'tricks' or alternative meanings for 'vicious'?
While 'vicious' primarily means cruel or malicious, in some trickier crosswords, it might refer to something that is self-perpetuating in a negative way (like a 'vicious circle'), though this is less common for a direct synonym clue. Always consider if the clue has a double meaning or is part of a larger idiom.