wear away crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here, you'll find all possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "wear away crossword", helping you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "wear away crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
RUB: To diminish or reduce something through friction or prolonged contact.
4 Letters
FRAY: To wear thin or unravel at the edge, often used for fabric.
5 Letters
ERODE: To gradually wear away or destroy by natural forces like wind, water, or ice, or by chemical action.
6 Letters
ABRADE: To scrape or wear away by friction, often with a rough surface.
7 Letters
CORRODE: To destroy or damage slowly by chemical action or erosion, typically referring to metals or stone.
WEAROUT: To become unusable or ineffective through continued use or damage, implying a complete wearing away.
More About "wear away crossword"
"Wear away" is a common phrase that appears in many crossword puzzles, referring to the process of gradual reduction or deterioration. This can happen through various means, from physical friction (like shoes wearing out) to natural elements (like rocks eroding due to water and wind). The versatility of this phrase means that the crossword answers can come from a wide range of vocabulary related to degradation, attrition, or dissolution.
Understanding the context of the clue is crucial. Is the puzzle focused on geology, everyday objects, or even metaphorical wearing away of patience or resolve? Crossword setters often use such broad clues to test solvers' knowledge of synonyms and their ability to pinpoint the precise meaning indicated by the number of letters and intersecting words.
Being familiar with terms like ERODE, ABRADE, CORRODE, and FRAY, along with their subtle differences, will give you an edge. These words describe specific mechanisms of wearing away—erosion by natural forces, abrasion by friction, corrosion by chemical action, and fraying specifically for textiles. Knowing these distinctions can help you narrow down the possibilities when faced with an ambiguous clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the possible answers with the exact number of letters in the grid. This is the fastest way to eliminate many incorrect options.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The letters from solved intersecting words are your best friends. They can reveal partial answers and confirm or deny your suspicions for 'wear away'.
- Consider the Source: Different puzzles (e.g., cryptic vs. standard, specific newspaper) might favor certain types of vocabulary or clueing styles. A quick mental check on the puzzle's origin can sometimes hint at the answer's nature.
- Think of Synonyms & Antonyms: If 'wear away' itself doesn't spark an answer, think of its direct opposite (e.g., build up, strengthen) or related concepts. Sometimes the opposite word has a common crossword answer that can trigger a synonym for the clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for 'wear away'?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers because words in English can have many synonyms or similar meanings depending on the context. 'Wear away' can refer to different processes like erosion, friction, or chemical degradation, each with specific vocabulary.
How do I choose the correct 'wear away' answer in a crossword?
To determine the correct answer, consider the number of letters required by the grid, any intersecting letters from other clues, and the overall theme or style of the crossword puzzle. Sometimes, the specific nuance of the clue (e.g., 'wear away chemically' versus 'wear away by rubbing') can point to a more precise synonym.
What are common themes for 'wear away' clues?
Clues related to 'wear away' often fall into categories like geology (erosion), physics (friction, abrasion), chemistry (corrosion), or even everyday wear and tear on objects (fraying, deteriorating). Sometimes, it can also be used metaphorically, e.g., 'time wears away sorrow'.