Hello, fellow word sleuths and puzzle aficionados! Another day, another grid to conquer, and today’s challenge has brought forth a truly intriguing entry that many of you have been buzzing about. We’re diving deep into the complexities of the
crossword clue
“Scaremonger (8)“. This particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of why we love these puzzles so much – they make us think, research, and sometimes, even delve into the subtle nuances of language.
At first glance, “Scaremonger (8)” might seem straightforward. We have a clear definition, “scaremonger,” followed by the standard parenthetical number, indicating an eight-letter solution. But as seasoned solvers know, what appears simple on the surface can often hide layers of clever wordplay or demand a precise, perhaps less common, synonym.
Let’s break down this
crossword clue
. The word “scaremonger” itself paints a vivid picture. It refers to a person who spreads frightening or ominous news or rumors, often for personal gain or to manipulate. Think about the etymology: “scare” combined with “monger,” which historically denotes a dealer or merchant (like a fishmonger or ironmonger). So, literally, someone who deals in fear. This linguistic breakdown can sometimes offer clues to the nature of the word we’re seeking, particularly in cryptic
crossword clue
scenarios, though here it appears to be a straight definition.
The “(8)” is our golden key to validation. Whatever word we pinpoint must be exactly eight letters long. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly. When faced with such a specific definition and length, our first instinct is often to brainstorm direct synonyms. What other words mean someone who spreads fear or alarm? Consider the tone – is it someone who is merely worried, or someone actively, perhaps maliciously, propagating fear? The latter seems more fitting for “scaremonger.”
When tackling a challenging
crossword clue
like this, it’s always good practice to consider different approaches. Is the solution a common word that perfectly fits the definition? Or could it be something slightly more obscure, perhaps a term that’s fallen out of common usage but is still valid? Sometimes, crosswords introduce us to fascinating words we might not encounter every day. For an eight-letter word that encapsulates the essence of “scaremonger,” we need something precise.
One common pitfall with this type of
crossword clue
is settling on the first synonym that comes to mind, only to find it doesn’t match the letter count. Or, conversely, finding several eight-letter words that are close, but not quite the perfect fit for “scaremonger.” It’s about finding that sweet spot where meaning and length align perfectly.
For this particular
crossword clue
, consider words that convey the active dissemination of fear, perhaps with a connotation of exaggeration or manipulation. Is the solution an action, or the person performing the action? Given “scaremonger” is a noun referring to a person, we are undoubtedly looking for a noun as well.
This “Scaremonger (8)“
crossword clue
is a brilliant test of vocabulary and precision. Don’t be afraid to use a thesaurus, but always remember to cross-reference with the eight-letter constraint. The satisfaction of slotting in that perfect word is what keeps us coming back for more. Keep at it, and you’ll nail this one!
Available Answers:
ALARMIST.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Quick Crossword Clues Friday, 5 December 2025
Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 21 July 2025