Deciphering “Find Repugnant (5)”: A Deep Dive into This Common Crossword Clue
Hey fellow word sleuths! There’s nothing quite like the daily challenge of a fresh crossword puzzle, is there? Each grid presents its own unique set of linguistic hurdles and delightful “aha!” moments. Today, I want to talk about a specific type of
crossword clue
that often crops up and can give even seasoned solvers a moment’s pause: the straightforward yet deceptively simple definition. We’re looking at one such
crossword clue
today: “Find repugnant (5).”
“Find repugnant (5)” – sounds simple enough, right? A five-letter word meaning to find something repugnant. But how often do we actually use “repugnant” in casual conversation? And more importantly, how quickly does a five-letter synonym spring to mind when you’re staring at an empty grid, trying to make all the pieces fit together for that perfect
crossword clue
solution?
This particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of why vocabulary is so crucial for any aspiring or veteran puzzle solver. It tests your ability to not just understand a word, but to instantly recall its precise synonyms and, crucially, to filter those by a specific letter count. When you encounter a
crossword clue
like this, your mind probably jumps to a few obvious options. Words like “detest,” “loathe,” or “abhor” might immediately spring to mind. These are all excellent starts, perfectly capturing the essence of finding something deeply unpleasant or objectionable.
However, the beauty – and sometimes the frustration – of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its constraints. That “(5)” is your immediate filter. While “detest” and “loathe” are good fits semantically, they don’t meet the length requirement for this specific
crossword clue
. This is where your inner thesaurus gets a serious workout. You start to dig a little deeper, looking for that perfect five-letter fit that conveys the strong sense of aversion or dislike that “repugnant” implies.
The process for tackling a definition-based
crossword clue
like “Find repugnant (5)” usually goes something like this:
1.
Deconstruct the Core Meaning:
What is the absolute essence of “repugnant”? It’s about finding something utterly distasteful, offensive, or morally objectionable. It evokes a strong negative reaction.
2.
Brainstorm Broad Synonyms:
Cast a wide net. Think of any word that comes to mind that expresses a strong dislike or an act of holding something in contempt. Don’t worry about length yet.
3.
Filter by Length:
Now, apply the crucial “(5)” filter. Eliminate anything that isn’t exactly five letters long. This step is often where the initial list of possibilities narrows down dramatically, leaving you with just a few strong contenders.
4.
Consider Nuance and Context:
While “Find repugnant” is a fairly direct definition, some
crossword clues
can have subtle nuances. Is it about a physical reaction, a moral one, or simply a strong dislike? For this
crossword clue
, the strength of feeling is key.
5.
Leverage Crossings (if applicable):
If you’re working on a larger puzzle, often you’ll have a few crossing letters already filled in from other solved
crossword clues
. These are invaluable. Even one correct letter can be the key that unlocks a stubborn clue. Imagine you have an ‘E’ as the second letter or an ‘H’ as the third – suddenly, your mental list shrinks even further, making the correct solution for this particular
crossword clue
much more apparent.
What makes this particular
crossword clue
so satisfying to solve is that it relies on a word that, while part of general vocabulary, isn’t necessarily top-of-mind for a five-letter synonym. It pushes you to think just a little bit harder, to access those deeper recesses of your word bank. That moment when the correct word clicks into place, fitting perfectly with the given letters, is pure crossword magic.
So, the next time you encounter a seemingly straightforward definition
crossword clue
like “Find repugnant (5),” remember to embrace the challenge. It’s not just about filling in boxes; it’s about expanding your vocabulary, sharpening your linguistic skills, and enjoying the intellectual gymnastics that make crosswords such a beloved pastime. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
ABHOR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Sunday, 29 June 2025