withered crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "withered crossword," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their length, along with brief explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "withered crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ARID: Meaning extremely dry or parched, fitting for something that has withered due to lack of moisture.
WORN: Implies something that has lost its freshness, vigor, or original state through use or age, like withered fabric.
5 Letters
DRIED: Directly indicates a state of having lost moisture, a common result of withering.
FADED: Refers to something that has lost its color, freshness, or strength over time, akin to a withered flower.
GAUNT: Often used to describe a person or animal looking thin and haggard, which can be a result of withering or emaciation.
6 Letters
WILTED: Commonly used for plants that have become limp and drooped due to lack of water or heat, a direct synonym for withered.
SHRUNK: Denotes something that has become smaller, often through drying or loss of substance, characteristic of withered items.
SALLOW: Describes a yellowish or brownish-yellow color, often associated with an unhealthy or withered appearance of skin.
7 Letters
PARCHED: Meaning severely dried out, especially by heat, a strong descriptor for something withered and brittle.
DECAYED: Refers to something that has rotten or decomposed, which is often a final stage after withering for organic matter.
More About "withered crossword"
"Withered" is a versatile clue in crosswords, drawing on its various meanings related to dryness, decay, loss of vitality, or physical shrinkage. Understanding the nuance of the clue, whether it's referring to a plant, a person, a feeling, or an object, is key to finding the correct answer.
Clues like "withered" often test your vocabulary of synonyms and your ability to consider different contexts. For example, 'withered' might point to a state of being physically shriveled (e.g., ARID, PARCHED, WILTED) or a more metaphorical loss of spirit or strength (e.g., FADED, WORN). Always consider the surrounding letters you already have filled in your grid, as these will often narrow down the possibilities significantly.
Additionally, pay attention to the tense and part of speech of the clue. "Withered" is typically used as an adjective or past participle, meaning the answer will likely also be an adjective (like GAUNT) or a past participle used adjectivally (like DRIED). This grammatical alignment can be a subtle but powerful hint in solving.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always consider the broader context of the puzzle. Is it a themed puzzle? The theme might hint at which synonym of "withered" is most appropriate.
- Check Intersecting Clues: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by ensuring it fits perfectly with all intersecting words. If 'WILTED' is your guess for "withered," make sure the 'W', 'I', 'L', 'T', 'E', and 'D' work with the clues crossing them.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, the most direct synonym isn't the answer. Crossword setters love to use less common or more metaphorical meanings. For "withered," think about things that 'shrivel', 'dry up', or 'lose vibrancy'.
- Practice with Common Roots: Many words related to 'withered' share common Latin or Old English roots. Familiarizing yourself with these can help you deduce answers even for unfamiliar synonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'withered' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'withered' typically refers to something that has become dry, shriveled, or lost its freshness and vitality. Common synonyms include dry, faded, wilted, shriveled, or decayed. The specific answer depends on the number of letters and intersecting clues.
How many letters are common for 'withered' crossword answers?
Answers for 'withered' can range from short words like ARID (4 letters) to longer ones like PARCHED (7 letters). Other common lengths include 5 (e.g., DRIED, FADED) and 6 (e.g., WILTED, SHRUNK). Always check the clue's number of letters and any existing intersecting letters.
Are there common alternative clues for answers like DRIED or WILTED?
Yes, 'DRIED' can also be clued as 'dehydrated', 'not wet', or 'air-cured'. 'WILTED' might appear as 'drooped', 'limp from heat', or 'flagged'. Understanding these variations can help you solve related clues more quickly in other puzzles.