Some crossword clues are so direct, they almost feel like a linguistic mirror, reflecting a concept with perfect clarity. Yet, within that very straightforwardness often lies a fascinating depth, especially when the words evoke strong, sensory, or even moral implications. Today, we’re dissecting a classic example: a crossword clue that asks for a six-letter word meaning ‘Tainted, unclean’.
At first glance, this might seem like a simple definition clue, and in many respects, it is. The beauty of such a crossword clue lies in its dual nature, offering two distinct paths to the same lexical destination. ‘Tainted’ speaks to something compromised, corrupted, or damaged in its essence. It suggests a loss of original purity, whether it’s a reputation, a food item, or an ideal. A
tainted
reputation is no longer pristine;
tainted
evidence jeopardizes a case; a
tainted
dish is unfit for consumption. The word carries a powerful sense of something having been irrevocably altered for the worse.
Then we have ‘unclean’. This part of the crossword clue delves into concepts of impurity, both physical and metaphorical. Physically, it conjures images of dirt, grime, or something unsanitary. A surface is
unclean
after spills, hands are
unclean
after work. But ‘unclean’ also resonates with cultural, religious, and moral connotations. Certain animals might be considered
unclean
in dietary laws, or actions might be deemed
unclean
if they violate ethical principles. It’s a word that touches upon hygiene, ritual purity, and moral integrity. The challenge for the crossword solver is to find a single, six-letter word that encompasses both these facets – the subtle defilement of ‘tainted’ and the more overt impurity of ‘unclean’.
Navigating a crossword clue like this requires a blend of vocabulary recall and strategic thinking. When faced with such a precise, definition-based prompt, the length constraint is your best friend. A six-letter word immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly. You’re not just looking for
any
synonym for ‘tainted’ or ‘unclean’; you’re looking for the one that perfectly fits the syllable count and is a common answer in daily crossword puzzles.
For the dedicated crossword enthusiast, this type of crossword clue offers a satisfying mental workout. It encourages you to rummage through your internal lexicon, considering words that might appear less frequently in everyday conversation but are mainstays in the world of puzzles. Do you think of terms related to physical dirt, or those that speak more to moral degradation? Often, the ideal solution for this kind of crossword clue manages to straddle both worlds seamlessly.
As with any challenging crossword clue, context within the broader grid is key. Once you have a strong candidate for this particular crossword clue, slotting it in allows you to verify it against intersecting words. Does it make sense? Does it create valid words in the intersecting clues? That moment of confirmation, when the letters align and the grid starts to truly fill itself out, is precisely why so many of us are drawn to the art of solving word puzzles.
Ultimately, this crossword clue is a testament to the richness of the English language. It compresses a complex set of ideas—from physical contamination to moral compromise—into a single, elegant solution. It’s a reminder that even the most straightforward-looking definition in a crossword puzzle can invite a deeper contemplation of words and their intricate meanings. Keep exploring, keep solving, and enjoy the journey with every new crossword clue you encounter.
Available Answers:
IMPURE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Tuesday, 19 August 2025