wailing crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on the "wailing crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "wailing crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CRY: To make a loud, inarticulate sound, as of grief, pain, or joy.
4 Letters
HOWL: To make a long, loud, mournful cry, as a dog or wolf.
KEEN: To make a long, loud cry of pain or grief.
6 Letters
LAMENT: To express sorrow, mourning, or regret for.
More About "wailing crossword clue"
The term "wailing" in a crossword clue often points towards an expression of deep sorrow, grief, or pain. It can also describe a loud, prolonged sound, not necessarily human, such as a siren or the wind. Crossword setters love to play on these nuances, so understanding the various contexts of "wailing" is key to finding the correct solution.
When encountering this clue, consider the emotional intensity it conveys. Is it a soft, mournful sound, or a loud, distressed one? This distinction can guide you towards answers like 'sob' versus 'howl' or 'bawl'. Additionally, always check if the clue implies a noun (the act of wailing) or a verb (to wail).
Sometimes, "wailing" can also refer to non-human sounds, like the "wailing" of a banshee in folklore, or the "wailing" of a distant train. Always consider the surrounding words in the clue for contextual hints that might lead you to a less obvious, but perfectly valid, answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: For clues like "wailing," immediately think of common synonyms such as cry, sob, howl, lament, moan, and keen. Having a mental thesaurus for emotional expressions is highly beneficial.
- Check Letter Count First: Before diving into possible answers, always count the letters in the grid. This is the most crucial filter for narrowing down options. A 3-letter word will likely be "CRY," while a 6-letter word could be "LAMENT."
- Look for Contextual Clues: Pay close attention to other words in the clue. Is it "wailing sound," "wailing ghost," "wailing in despair"? These details can point to a more specific answer.
- Think About Part of Speech: Determine if the clue requires a noun (e.g., 'a wail') or a verb (e.g., 'to wail'). This often changes the word form and potential answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for "wailing" in crosswords?
Common synonyms for "wailing" that appear in crosswords often include CRY, HOWL, SOB, LAMENT, BAWL, MOAN, and KEEN. The specific context of the clue and the number of letters will help narrow down the correct answer.
How does the length of the answer affect "wailing" clues?
The length of the answer is crucial. For example, a 3-letter answer might be CRY, while a 4-letter answer could be HOWL or KEEN. Longer answers like LAMENT (6 letters) or WAILING (7 letters, if the clue implies the action) provide more detail or different forms of the word. Always check the grid for the required number of letters.
Can "wailing" refer to sounds other than human cries?
Yes, "wailing" can refer to various sounds beyond human cries. It can describe the sound of sirens, wind, or even certain musical instruments (like a wailing guitar). In crosswords, paying attention to modifiers in the clue (e.g., 'siren's wailing') can help distinguish between human and non-human interpretations.