Follow Us on
Etched with a claw (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: SCRATCHED
SCRATCHED is the answer to the crossword clue "Etched with a claw (9)." This word perfectly captures the action of marking or cutting a surface using sharp claws or nails, creating visible grooves or lines that remain as evidence of the action.
Understanding the Answer
- The word SCRATCHED comes from the verb "scratch," which means to mark, scrape, or damage a surface with something sharp or pointed.
- When an animal uses its claws to etch marks into wood, dirt, or other materials, it creates scratched patterns.
- The term applies equally to cats marking furniture, bears leaving territorial marks on trees, or any creature using their natural weapons to leave visible impressions.
- In crossword puzzles, clues about etching or marking often lead to words like scratched, carved, or inscribed.
- The nine-letter length requirement and the specific mention of "claw" make SCRATCHED the ideal solution, as it directly references the tool (claw) and the resulting action (etching marks).
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for action words - Clues describing physical actions often end in -ED, making past tense verbs strong candidates for solutions.
- Count the letters first - With a confirmed 9-letter requirement, you can immediately eliminate shorter alternatives like "clawed" or "scraped."
- Consider the tool mentioned - When a clue specifies "with a claw," the answer should logically connect to animal behavior or claw-related actions.
- Check intersecting letters - Use already-solved crossing words to confirm whether SCRATCHED fits the available letter pattern.
- Think about synonyms - Etched, marked, scored, and gouged all relate to scratched, helping you identify the semantic field.
Etched with a claw (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What other words mean the same as scratched?
Common synonyms include scraped, scored, abraded, scuffed, grazed, and clawed. However, scratched is the most direct term when referring to claw marks.
Q: Why is scratched 9 letters and not shorter?
The crossword clue specifically indicates (9), meaning the answer must be exactly nine letters long. This constraint eliminates shorter variations.
Q: Can scratched refer to non-animal actions?
Yes, scratched can describe any action that marks a surface, including using fingernails, tools, or objects that scrape and leave visible lines.
Q: How do I know if a crossword clue is asking for past tense?
Clues using past-tense phrasing like "etched" or "was marked" typically require past-tense answers ending in -ED.
Q: What if scratched doesn't fit with my crossing words?
Double-check your intersecting answers first, as an error in those will make the correct answer appear wrong. Verify each crossing clue independently.
