Besmirch Crossword Clue

Home > Publisher > Wall Street Journal > 4 January 2025
Warm greetings to all crossword lovers!
Let us find the right answer for the crossword clue "Besmirch" published by Wall Street Journal crossword puzzle.
We have collected all possible clues and information available below:

Best Answer:
TAINT

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

The clue for today's crossword puzzle is "Besmirch" and the answer is "TAINT". Let's explore why this clue has this answer:

1. Similar meaning: The word "besmirch" means to stain, sully, or tarnish someone's reputation or character by making false or damaging statements about them. The word "taint" also has a similar meaning, as it refers to contaminating or polluting something, often by adding something harmful or unfavorable.

2. Synonyms and associations: Both "besmirch" and "taint" are commonly associated with negative actions or consequences. Other synonyms for "besmirch" include "defame," "smear," and "discredit," while synonyms for "taint" include "corrupt," "blemish," and "pollute."

3. Crossword clues often use words with multiple meanings, but in this case, the clue focuses on the negative aspect of "besmirch," which aligns with the negative connotation of "taint."

4. Word length: The word "TAINT" fits the available number of squares in the crossword grid for this clue, which indicates that it is the correct answer.

5. Crossword puzzle consistency: The answer "TAINT" fits well with the surrounding crossword puzzle clues and their corresponding answers, ensuring coherence throughout the puzzle.

Therefore, based on the similarity in meaning, synonyms, negative connotation, word length, and overall consistency of the crossword puzzle, "TAINT" is the appropriate answer for today's clue "Besmirch."



You may be interested in: More answers from “Wall Street Journal“:
Click Here >>> (4 January 2025)

More Answers:

  • TAINT
  • SOIL
  • SMEAR
  • MAR
  • TAR
  • STAIN
  • DEFAME
  • SULLY
  • DEBASE
  • VILIFY
  • TARNISH
  • BLOTCH
  • DEFILE
  • STIGMATIZE
  • SPOT
  • BLACKEN

Definition of "TAINT"

a trace of a bad or undesirable substance or quality

Example :
  • the lingering taint of creosote
  • the taint of corruption which adhered to the government
  • the taint that threatens to stain most of the company's other partners

    •  The Crossword clue "Besmirch" published 109 time/s & has 16 answer/s. 
    CrosswordDateAnswer
    Wall Street Journal4 January 2025TAINT
    L.A. Times Daily29 November 2024SOIL
    New York Times16 October 2024SMEAR
    Lovatts American2 June 2024TAR
    Crossword Champ Premium25 January 2024SMEAR
    Newsday.com27 April 2023TAINT
    [+] View More..

    Search for More Clues:

    Search By Answer:

     
    daily crossword puzzle

    Related clues by the Publisher: Wall Street Journal
    1. Model citizen?
    2. This one relates to combat
    3. Mo. town
    4. Royal flush card
    5. City up the coast from Fort Lauderdale