withered crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all possible solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "withered". We've compiled answers of various lengths to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "withered crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ARID: Dry, often used to describe land or climate that is withered.
5 Letters
DRIED: Past tense of dry, indicating loss of moisture.
FADED: Lost color or freshness, often due to age or sunlight.
GAUNT: Lean and haggard, especially because of suffering, hunger, or age.
6 Letters
SHRUNK: Reduced in size or pulled in, as from a lack of moisture.
7 Letters
PARCHED: Dried out with heat; extremely thirsty.
CRUMBLY: Breaking easily into small fragments.
9 Letters
ATROPHIED: Having wasted away or deteriorated due to lack of use or neglect.
More About "withered crossword clue"
The word "withered" in a crossword clue often points towards a state of decline, dryness, or loss of vitality. It can describe a plant that has shriveled from lack of water, a person who looks emaciated due to illness or age, or even abstract concepts like a faded memory or a lost ambition. Crossword setters love to use such versatile words as they allow for a wide range of synonyms and interpretations, challenging solvers to think broadly.
When encountering "withered," consider both literal and figurative meanings. Common literal synonyms include 'dried,' 'shrunk,' 'parched,' or 'desiccated.' Figuratively, it might lead to answers like 'faded,' 'decayed,' 'atrophied,' or 'gaunt.' The context of the surrounding clue words or letters in the grid is crucial for narrowing down the correct answer. Always check if the tense matches, for example, if the clue is 'withered' (past tense), the answer should also likely be in a past tense form.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For "withered," think about the specific type of withering. Is it from lack of water (parched, arid), age (faded, shriveled), or disuse (atrophied)?
- Check Letter Count First: Use the number of letters required to immediately filter out incorrect answers. This is often the most powerful tool in your crossword arsenal.
- Consider Parts of Speech: If "withered" is an adjective, look for an adjective answer. If it's a verb (e.g., 'he withered'), look for a verb. In this case, 'withered' can be both (past participle used as adjective).
- Look for Cross-References: Sometimes, another clue in the puzzle might give a hint or a direct answer to a related concept, helping to confirm your choice for "withered".
- Think of Compound Words/Phrases: While 'withered' itself is a single word, sometimes solutions can be part of a phrase or compound word that fits the general meaning.
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 dried up, lost its freshness, shriveled, or deteriorated. It often cues synonyms related to dryness, decay, or loss of vitality.
How can I find answers to clues like 'withered'?
To find answers, consider synonyms for 'withered' that fit the given letter count. Think about different contexts: plants, emotions, physical states. Using a crossword solver or a thesaurus can also be very helpful.
Are there common themes for 'withered' clues?
Yes, common themes include states of dryness (arid, parched), physical deterioration (shrunk, gaunt, atrophied), or loss of vibrancy (faded). The specific context in the clue often guides you to the most fitting synonym.