Drench - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Welcome, solvers! Today we're looking at the clue "Drench." This is a classic example of a straightforward, definition-based clue you're likely to find in an early-week New York Times crossword. It's a vocabulary check, pure and simple, designed to give you a confident start.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a single word: "Drench." This immediately signals that we are looking for a synonym. "Drench" is a verb meaning to wet thoroughly or to saturate. The answer will be another common verb with the same meaning. There's no wordplay, misdirection, or trivia involved, making it a direct and accessible clue.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, a few mental pathways can lead you to the answer:

1. Direct Synonym Association: Your brain's built-in thesaurus is the first tool to use. What words mean "to drench"? You might think of saturate, immerse, steep, or the most common and likely four-letter answer.

2. Sentence Substitution: Put the clue word in a simple sentence and see what fits. For example, "The sudden downpour will drench your clothes." Now, try replacing "drench" with potential answers. "The sudden downpour will soak your clothes." This sounds like a perfect match.

3. Leverage the Crossings: If you're not immediately sure, don't hesitate to solve the clues that cross this one. For a short, four-letter answer, getting even one or two letters from perpendicular entries will often make the solution immediately obvious.

Background Context

While the words themselves don't have a complex history, the concept is universal. Both "drench" and its answer are frequently used in everyday language. We talk about a sponge being soaked, clothes getting drenched in the rain, or soaking beans overnight before cooking. This commonality is what makes the clue feel familiar and solvable for a wide audience.

Conclusion

The clue "Drench" is a perfect example of a crossword fundamental: the direct synonym. It rewards a solid vocabulary and serves as a great entry point into a puzzle, helping you build momentum. By recognizing it as a simple definition clue, you can solve it quickly and move on to more complex parts of the grid with confidence.

Hints

1. Hint 1: To make something completely wet.
2. Hint 2: Often used when talking about laundry or a long bath.
3. Hint 3: A synonym for "saturate" or "steep".
4. Hint 4: It starts with the same sound as "soap".

The answer is SOAK.