wail crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on the "wail" crossword clue? You've come to the right place! Discover all possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "wail crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CRY: To shed tears, often as an expression of pain or sadness.
4 Letters
MOAN: A low, prolonged sound expressing physical or mental suffering.
KEEN: To wail in lamentation for the dead, often a traditional practice.
HOWL: To utter a loud, prolonged, mournful cry, often by animals, but also human distress.
6 Letters
LAMENT: A passionate expression of grief or sorrow.
More About "wail crossword clue"
"Wail" is a common clue in crosswords, often pointing towards a range of emotions or sounds. It typically describes a prolonged, high-pitched cry, usually associated with grief, pain, or frustration. Understanding the nuances of this word can unlock many related answers in your puzzle.
The beauty of crossword clues like "wail" lies in their potential for multiple interpretations, depending on the specific puzzle setter's intent. While it primarily conveys sorrow, it can also refer to a loud, mournful sound made by non-human entities, like a wind's wail or the wail of a siren. Always consider the context of other solved letters and the puzzle's theme.
From a general expression of distress like 'CRY' to more specific forms of mourning like 'KEEN' or 'LAMENT,' the word 'wail' encapsulates a powerful vocalization. Crossword constructors love these types of clues because they allow for a variety of synonyms that can fit different word lengths and patterns, challenging solvers to think broadly about the word's meaning.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always look at the letters you've already filled in surrounding the "wail" clue. These can provide vital clues about the length and specific meaning intended by the constructor.
- Consider Nuance: "Wail" has synonyms that range from general sadness (CRY, MOAN) to more specific forms of lamentation (KEEN, LAMENT). Think about the precise emotion or action the clue might be pointing to.
- Think Beyond Human: While often human, "wail" can also describe sounds made by animals (HOWL) or even inanimate objects (e.g., wind, sirens). Keep an open mind about the subject.
- Check for Homophones/Puns: Occasionally, a clue like "wail" might be a play on words (e.g., 'WHALE'). If you're completely stumped, consider alternative meanings or sounds.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "wail" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "wail" typically refers to a prolonged, high-pitched cry expressing grief, pain, or distress. It often seeks synonyms like MOAN, CRY, KEEN, HOWL, or LAMENT.
How do I find synonyms for "wail" for crosswords?
Consider the nuance of the clue. Is it about sorrow (LAMENT, KEEN)? Animal sounds (HOWL)? A general cry (CRY, MOAN)? Thinking about common expressions and contexts can help narrow down the options.
Are "wail" clues always about sadness or grief?
While most "wail" clues relate to expressions of sadness or grief, it can also refer to a loud, sustained sound from something inanimate, like a siren's wail, though this is less common in standard cryptic or quick crosswords unless specified.