weaken spoil crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "weaken spoil" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your grid.

Solutions for "weaken spoil crossword clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

MAR: To damage or spoil, often affecting appearance or quality subtly.

ROT: To decay or decompose, leading to a loss of quality or structure.

4 Letters

HARM: To cause injury or damage, which can weaken or spoil something.

5 Letters

DECAY: The process of rotting or decomposition, diminishing integrity or quality.

6 Letters

IMPAIR: To weaken or damage something, especially a function or ability.

7 Letters

CORRODE: To slowly destroy or damage something (e.g., metal) by chemical action, causing gradual deterioration.

More About "weaken spoil crossword clue"

The clue "weaken spoil" is a classic example of a crossword setter combining two closely related verbs to hint at a single, powerful answer. Both words imply a process of deterioration, though with slightly different nuances. "Weaken" suggests a reduction in strength, effectiveness, or intensity, while "spoil" points to a loss of quality, integrity, or freshness. Crossword compilers frequently use such paired synonyms or near-synonyms to broaden the scope of potential answers, requiring solvers to think about words that embody both concepts.

When encountering such clues, consider words that can be applied to various contexts, from physical objects to abstract concepts. For instance, 'MAR' can spoil a reputation or weaken the visual appeal of something. 'CORRODE' weakens a metal structure and spoils its utility. The best answers are those that seamlessly bridge the gap between both actions, making them perfect fits for this type of combined clue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know the correct length for a crossword answer?

Crossword puzzles usually indicate the exact letter count for each answer in parentheses next to the clue. For example, 'weaken spoil (3)' means the answer is 3 letters long. Also, the grid itself dictates the length based on the number of blank squares available for the answer.

What's the difference between 'weaken' and 'spoil' in crossword clues?

While both imply a negative change, 'weaken' often refers to reducing strength, effectiveness, or intensity (e.g., 'dilute,' 'enfeeble'). 'Spoil' typically means to damage, ruin, or render useless, often implying a loss of quality or integrity (e.g., 'mar,' 'rot'). In clues like 'weaken spoil,' the answer is a word that encompasses both meanings or is a strong synonym for one that implies the other.

Are there common synonyms for 'weaken' or 'spoil' used in crosswords?

Yes, for 'weaken,' you might see words like 'SAP,' 'ENFEEBLE,' 'DILUTE,' 'UNDERCUT,' 'DEBILITATE.' For 'spoil,' common synonyms include 'MAR,' 'RUIN,' 'TAINT,' 'FESTER,' 'DEGRADE,' 'CORRUPT,' 'ROT.' The specific context of the clue usually narrows down the possibilities and helps you choose the best fit.